Honor Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationON-er / /ˈɒnər/Latin; English
Meaning
Latin: honor; English: respect
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Honor derives from the Latin word "honor," which translates to "honor" or "esteem." This Latin term has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "*h₁on-", meaning "to be worth" or "to honor." The transition of the name into English occurred through Old French, where it was adopted as "onor" before entering Middle English as "honour." The spelling "Honor" emerged as a variant, particularly in American English, where the 'u' is often omitted in various words.
Historically, the concept of honor has been significant in various cultures, often associated with nobility and virtue. In medieval Europe, the notion of chivalry was closely linked to honor, influencing the behavior of knights and nobles. The name has been borne by several notable figures throughout history, including Honoré de Balzac, a prominent French novelist of the 19th century, whose works explored themes of society and morality. Additionally, the name appears in various religious contexts, with honor being a virtue extolled in many traditions, including Christianity, where it is often associated with the respect due to God and to one's parents.
Culturally, the name Honor resonates with ideals of integrity and moral uprightness. It has been used in literature and art to symbolize virtue and ethical conduct. The name's enduring appeal can be attributed to its strong connotations of respect and dignity, making it a timeless choice across generations. Diminutive forms such as "Nora" have also emerged, though they carry distinct meanings and associations. Overall, the name Honor encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance.
Trend Summary
The name Honor has seen a gradual increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Honour
International Variants
- Onorina (Italian)
- Onora (Italian)
- Honora (Latin)
Famous people named Honor
Honor Blackman is an actress best known for The Avengers, Goldfinger, and The Cat and the Canary.
Honor Swinton Byrne is an actress best known for The Souvenir and The Souvenir Part II.
Fictional characters named Honor
Honor Harrington is a fictional character from the science fiction series Honorverse. She is a starship captain and a key figure in the interstellar military and political conflicts of her universe.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Honor was first seen in the United States in 1888. Honor has ranked as high as #1247 nationally, which occurred in 2012, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Georgia, New York, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Honor has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Honor (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 9 | |
GA | 9 | |
TX | 7 | |
NC | 6 | |
NY | 5 | |
PA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1888 | 6 |
1892 | 5 |
1893 | 5 |
1895 | 6 |
1896 | 5 |
1897 | 9 |
1900 | 5 |
1902 | 5 |
1903 | 6 |
1904 | 6 |
1905 | 8 |
1906 | 5 |
1907 | 10 |
1908 | 7 |
1910 | 8 |
1913 | 7 |
1914 | 7 |
1915 | 5 |
1916 | 9 |
1917 | 9 |
1918 | 21 |
1919 | 15 |
1920 | 7 |
1921 | 12 |
1922 | 9 |
1923 | 17 |
1924 | 12 |
1925 | 16 |
1926 | 16 |
1927 | 16 |
1928 | 9 |
1929 | 7 |
1930 | 8 |
1931 | 11 |
1932 | 13 |
1933 | 8 |
1934 | 12 |
1936 | 6 |
1937 | 9 |
1938 | 11 |
1939 | 8 |
1940 | 5 |
1942 | 5 |
1943 | 11 |
1944 | 8 |
1945 | 9 |
1946 | 10 |
1947 | 13 |
1948 | 7 |
1949 | 6 |
1950 | 7 |
1951 | 8 |
1952 | 8 |
1953 | 10 |
1954 | 12 |
1955 | 8 |
1956 | 11 |
1957 | 7 |
1958 | 5 |
1960 | 8 |
1962 | 8 |
1963 | 5 |
1964 | 11 |
1965 | 12 |
1966 | 15 |
1967 | 17 |
1968 | 15 |
1969 | 9 |
1970 | 9 |
1971 | 11 |
1972 | 10 |
1973 | 15 |
1974 | 12 |
1975 | 13 |
1976 | 9 |
1977 | 14 |
1978 | 17 |
1979 | 11 |
1980 | 8 |
1981 | 11 |
1983 | 16 |
1984 | 7 |
1985 | 7 |
1986 | 6 |
1987 | 15 |
1988 | 7 |
1989 | 11 |
1990 | 9 |
1991 | 6 |
1992 | 14 |
1993 | 16 |
1994 | 6 |
1995 | 13 |
1996 | 20 |
1997 | 23 |
1998 | 30 |
1999 | 19 |
2000 | 40 |
2001 | 33 |
2002 | 42 |
2003 | 45 |
2004 | 36 |
2005 | 28 |
2006 | 34 |
2007 | 28 |
2008 | 40 |
2009 | 103 |
2010 | 87 |
2011 | 99 |
2012 | 134 |
2013 | 134 |
2014 | 109 |
2015 | 124 |
2016 | 106 |
2017 | 106 |
2018 | 105 |
2019 | 107 |
2020 | 94 |
2021 | 117 |
2022 | 120 |
2023 | 100 |
2024 | 91 |