Boy Names That Start with H

H names for boys begin with a light, breathy sound that keeps them relaxed and approachable. Henry is the anchor, a Germanic name meaning ruler of the home that was borne by many kings of England. Hank began as a friendly nickname for Henry, and Harry is another traditional short form, while Harrison literally means son of Harry. Together they show how one royal name can branch into several very different styles.

Other H names reach far beyond England. Hector was the great Trojan hero of the Iliad, and Hugo comes from a Germanic word meaning mind or spirit. Hezekiah was a king of Judah in the Hebrew Bible, and Hamza and Hassan are Arabic names, the second meaning good or handsome. Hunter, Hudson, Holden, Hayes and Harvey all began as surnames, with Hunter being a straightforward occupational name. Hendrix comes from a Dutch surname form of Henry.

Pronunciation is the main thing to watch. In Spanish the letter h is silent, so Hector and Hugo are often said without the breathy start in Spanish-speaking families, which is worth considering if your relatives speak more than one language. Also listen to how the name pairs with your surname, since two strong h sounds in a row can feel a little breathless.