Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Halle
GirlGerman, Old Norse· “uncertain; several possible origins”
- Meaning
- uncertain; several possible origins (origin disputed)
- Origin
- German, Old Norse
- Pronunciation
- HAL-ee
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #596
- US babies 2025
- 491
- Best rank
- #316 (2002)
- Peak year
- 2002
Meaning and origin of Halle
Halle is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible origins”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to German and Old Norse roots.
Halle has several possible sources, and its meaning is uncertain. It is the name of a historic city in Germany, the birthplace of the composer George Frideric Handel. It is also linked to Old Norse names containing hallr, "rock", and it can be a variant of Hallie, a pet form of Harriet or Henrietta. In the United States the name is best known through the actress Halle Berry, and it is usually pronounced like Hallie. The name is short, friendly and upbeat. Because different sources compete, it is best presented without a single meaning.
Other spellings with the same sound: Hal.
Popularity over time
Halle first appears in US Social Security records in 1948. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 33 different years, starting in 1993. Its best national rank was #316 in 2002, the same year it reached its highest count of 971 babies. In 2025, 491 babies were named Halle, and it ranked #596 nationally. That is 63% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #4,807 in 1980, #442 in 2000, #552 in 2010, and #596 in 2025. Of the 16,651 US girls named Halle since records began, 43% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 3,702 babies. Since 2010, 6,268 more have been named Halle.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Emilee, India, Annika, Hailee, and Elisabeth.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Halle ranked highest in South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #146 | 8 |
| Iowa | #238 | 15 |
| Wisconsin | #281 | 19 |
| Nebraska | #309 | 7 |
| Indiana | #364 | 19 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Halle is usually pronounced HAL-ee, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with H and ends in “-le”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Hal.
Middle names for Halle
A few middle names that flow with Halle: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Halle
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Lists that include Halle
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Halle mean?
Halle is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible origins”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to German and Old Norse roots.
What is the origin of the name Halle?
Halle has German, Old Norse, and English roots. Halle has several possible sources, and its meaning is uncertain.
Is Halle a popular name?
Yes. Halle ranked #596 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Halle a boy or girl name?
Halle is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Halle?
Halle is usually pronounced HAL-ee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings