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Honor Unisex

Popularity: #859 · Trend: ↘ Falling

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)

StateBirthsShare
CA 9
22%
GA 9
22%
TX 7
17%
NC 6
15%
NY 5
12%
PA 5
12%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18886
18925
18935
18956
18965
18979
19005
19025
19036
19046
19058
19065
190710
19087
19108
19137
19147
19155
19169
19179
191821
191915
19207
192112
19229
192317
192412
192516
192616
192716
19289
19297
19308
193111
193213
19338
193412
19366
19379
193811
19398
19405
19425
194311
19448
19459
194610
194713
19487
19496
19507
19518
19528
195310
195412
19558
195611
19577
19585
19608
19628
19635
196411
196512
196615
196717
196815
19699
19709
197111
197210
197315
197412
197513
19769
197714
197817
197911
19808
198111
198316
19847
19857
19866
198715
19887
198911
19909
19916
199214
199316
19946
199513
199620
199723
199830
199919
200040
200133
200242
200345
200436
200528
200634
200728
200840
2009103
201087
201199
2012134
2013134
2014109
2015124
2016106
2017106
2018105
2019107
202094
2021117
2022120
2023100
202491