Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Hercules
BoyGreek, Latin· “glory of Hera”
- Meaning
- glory of Hera
- Origin
- Greek, Latin
- Pronunciation
- HUR-kyuh-leez
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #4,921
- US babies 2025
- 20
- Best rank
- #1,291 (1908)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Hercules
Hercules is a Greek and Latin name that means “glory of Hera”.
Hercules is the Latin form of Heracles, the greatest hero of Greek mythology. His Greek name is usually explained as glory of Hera, a title that is ironic in myth, since Hera persecuted him all his life. Famous for his strength and his twelve labors, he was worshiped by the Romans as Hercules. The name has been used occasionally in English, Italian as Ercole, and elsewhere, especially in classical-minded families. It is said HUR-kyuh-leez. Herc is a playful nickname. The name is bold and strongly tied to its heroic namesake.
Popularity over time
Hercules first appears in US Social Security records in 1908. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,291 in 1908, and the most babies received it in 2023, when 30 were named Hercules. In 2025, 20 babies were named Hercules, and it ranked #4,921 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,564 in 1920, #1,674 in 1950, #5,156 in 1980, #8,526 in 2000, #12,961 in 2010, and #4,921 in 2025. Of the 1,320 US boys named Hercules since records began, 13% were born in the 1930s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 168 babies. Since 2010, 238 more have been named Hercules.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Vittorio, Alon, Arliss, Jehu, and Karel.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Hercules is usually pronounced HUR-kyuh-leez, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with H and ends in “-es”.
Middle names for Hercules
A few middle names that flow with Hercules: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Hercules
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Lists that include Hercules
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Hercules mean?
Hercules is a Greek and Latin name that means “glory of Hera”.
What is the origin of the name Hercules?
Hercules has Greek and Latin roots. Hercules is the Latin form of Heracles, the greatest hero of Greek mythology.
Is Hercules a popular name?
Not especially. Hercules ranked #4,921 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Hercules a boy or girl name?
Hercules is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Hercules?
Hercules is usually pronounced HUR-kyuh-leez. 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