Girl Names That Start with H
By Dixie Legare – August 28, 2024
Many good names start with the letter H, and there are plenty of wonderful options to consider.
From names that inspire happiness and hope to those that draw from rich sources such as Hebrew, Egyptian, and Greek mythology, H names have a certain charm.
Whether you are looking for something popular, modern, old-fashioned, or even biblical, you are sure to find a name that suits your baby girl.
Exploring the range of H names opens up a world of beautiful sounds and meanings.
Whether drawn to the classic tones or contemporary vibes, there’s something appealing for every taste.
Here are some names to consider, each with its unique charm and significance.
Popular Girl Names That Start With H
Harper
This name is cool and unisex. It comes from the Old English word hearpe, meaning “harp.”
Initially, it was a surname for someone who played or made harps. The name became widely known in the twentieth century, especially with the fame of American author Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird.
Hazel
Hazel is derived from the English word for the hazel tree or light brown color. This name has its origins in the Old English word haesel.
It transitioned to a first name in the nineteenth century and has remained popular ever since.
Hannah
Hannah has roots in the Hebrew word for “favor” or “grace.” The name appears in the Old Testament as the wife of Elkanah.
The Protestant Reformation helped it gain popularity in the English-speaking world. Notable figures include philosopher Hannah Arendt and the character Hannah Montana from Disney.
Hailey
Hailey is a popular girls’ name with several spelling variations like Hayley or Haley.
The name originally came from an English town meaning “hay” and “clearing.” It gained popularity in the twentieth century, thanks partly to child actress Hayley Mills.
Hadley
Hadley is a trendy unisex name. It originates from an English surname that means “heather field” in Old English. This name has a modern appeal and is a contemporary choice for any child.
Harmony
Derived from the Greek word harmonia, Harmony is a beautiful name. It signifies a combination of musical notes or tranquility, making it a wonderful choice for music-loving parents or those seeking a serene name for their child.
Hope
Hope comes from the English word “hope” and gained popularity with the Puritans in the seventeenth century.
It remains a classic and timeless option for a little girl, carrying a positive and uplifting meaning.
Haven
Haven has its roots in the English word for “a safe place.” This unisex name is popular among girls in the United States and conveys a sense of safety and shelter.
Harlow
Originally a surname, Harlow gained traction as a first name in 2008 when celebrity Nicole Richie named her daughter Harlow.
The name comes from a place in England, derived from Old English words meaning “rock” and “hill.” It brings to mind classic Hollywood glamour thanks to actress Jean Harlow.
Haisley
Haisley is another unisex name, often used as a surname. It offers a modern and unique choice, and its variant Hazley can serve as an alternative spelling.
The name stands out with its fresh, contemporary feel.
Unique and Unusual Girl Names That Start With H
Hadewig
Hadewig is the Old Germanic form of Hedwig. The name comes from the Germanic words hadu, meaning “battle, combat,” and wig, meaning “war.”
This name holds significant historical value and is great for families with German connections or those seeking a medieval touch.
Hajnalka
Hajnalka is a unique Hungarian girls’ name that translates to “morning glory,” a type of flower. This makes it an excellent flower-inspired name starting with H.
Halkyone
An Ancient Greek variant of Halcyone, Halkyone emerged from a misspelling of Alycone, the daughter of Aeolus in Greek mythology.
The name also belongs to one of the brightest stars in the Pleiades, making it rich in mythology, history, and linguistics.
Halldóra
Halldóra is an Icelandic name that serves as the feminine version of Haldor, which means “Thor’s rock” in Old Norse.
It’s a bold and unique name with a touch of Norse mythology.
Hatshepsut
For something truly unique, consider Hatshepsut from Ancient Egypt. The name means “foremost of noble women.”
Queen Hatshepsut was the first woman to become Pharaoh, and a temple in Egypt is dedicated to her. This name is regal and deeply historical.
Hecate
Hecate is an Ancient Greek name derived from hekas, meaning “far off.”
Hecate was a goddess associated with witchcraft, crossroads, and the underworld. It’s a mystical and unique choice, perfect for a strong and mysterious name.
Hecuba
Hecuba is a name rooted in Greek mythology. She was the wife of King Priam of Troy and mother to Hector, Paris, and Cassandra. This name carries a legendary and exotic appeal.
Hera
Hera was the queen of the gods in Greek mythology, the wife of Zeus, and the goddess of marriage and childbirth.
The name possibly signifies “hero,” “period of time,” or “to be chosen.” It’s a beautiful, regal name for a special little girl.
Hippolyta
Hippolyta is notable for its use in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Greek mythology.
She was the daughter of Ares and queen of the Amazons, known as the wife of Theseus. The name means “freer of horses,” embodying strength and freedom.
Haizea
Haizea is a unique name from the Basque language, one of Europe’s most unusual languages. It means “wind” and would certainly make your little one a unique breath of fresh air.
Old-Fashioned H Girl Names
Harriet
Harriet is a classic name derived from the English form of Henriette, which is a feminine form of the name Henry.
Meaning “home ruler,” this name has a rich history dating back to the seventeenth century and became popular in the eighteenth century.
Famous Harriets include abolitionist Harriet Tubman and the character from Harriet the Spy.
Helga
Helga is a classic name in Germany, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Hungary. It originates from the Old Norse word heilagr, meaning “holy” or “blessed.”
The name is also the feminine version of Helge, making it a time-honored choice.
Héloïse
Héloïse is a rare but classic French name with roots in medieval times. It has various possible meanings, including “healthy,” “wide,” and “sun.”
One of the most famous Héloïses was the twelfth-century French scholar and philosopher known for her tragic love affair with Peter Abelard.
Henrietta
Henrietta is another charming name that serves as a feminine variant of Henry or Harry.
It is the Latinate form of Henriette and carries a strong historical resonance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more traditional name.
Hortensia
Hortensia is an ancient Roman name coming from the Latin word hortus, meaning “garden.”
Originally a Roman family name, it is now considered a formal and classic name for girls.
Hildegard
Hildegard is derived from the Old Germanic words hild, meaning “battle,” and gard, meaning “enclosure.”
This name has been used since the Middle Ages and is well-known due to Saint Hildegard of Bingen, a twelfth-century mystic and writer.
Hyacinth
Hyacinth is a beautiful name that comes from the Greek hyakinthos, the hyacinth flower.
In Greek mythology, Hyacinth was a youth loved by the god Apollo. Though it was originally a boy’s name, today it is more commonly used for girls.
Hedwig
Hedwig comes from Ancient German and means “battle” or “war.”
The name was prominent in medieval times and is associated with figures like the thirteenth-century Saint Hedwig and the Polish queen of the fourteenth century. The name also gained modern recognition from the Harry Potter series.
Hero
The name Hero is famously known from Shakespeare’s play Much Ado About Nothing.
Additionally, Hero was a figure in Greek mythology, the lover of Leander who swam nightly to be with her. The name quite literally means “hero” in its origin.
Honor
Honor, which can also be spelled Honour, is an old-fashioned virtue name adopted by the Puritans in the seventeenth century.
Variants include Honoria and Honorata, making it a name with moral significance and a timeless appeal.
Biblical Girl Names That Start With the Letter H
Hadassah
This Hebrew name means “myrtle tree.” It was the given Hebrew name of Queen Esther.
To hide her Jewish identity from the Persian King, she changed her name from Hadassah to Esther.
Hagar
Meaning “flight” in Hebrew, Hagar was the second wife of Abraham and the mother of Ishmael in the Old Testament.
While it’s usually considered an Ancient Hebrew name, some believe it might be of Egyptian origin.
Haggith
Haggith is found in the Old Testament as the name of one of King David’s wives. The name comes from the Hebrew word chagag, which means “festive.”
Helah
Helah means “rust” in Hebrew. She appeared in the Old Testament as one of the wives of Asher.
Hephzibah
This lovely name means “my delight is in her” in Hebrew. Hephzibah is mentioned in the Old Testament as the wife of King Hezekiah of Judah and the mother of Manasseh.
Herodias
Herodias is the feminine form of Herod and appears in the New Testament.
She is known as the sister of Herod Agrippa, the wife of Herod Antipas, and the mother of Salome.
Hodiah
Hodiah means “majesty of Yahweh” in Hebrew. This name is also given to Ezra’s wife in the Old Testament.
Hosanna
Hosanna is a beautiful name coming from the Aramaic expression Hosha’na‘, which means “deliver us” in Hebrew.
This exclamation was made by people around Jesus during his first entry into Jerusalem in the New Testament.
Huldah
Huldah appears in the Old Testament as a prophetess in II Kings. It can also be spelled Hulda and means “weasel” or “mole” in Hebrew.
Hester
Hester is the Latin form of Esther and has been used in England since the Protestant Reformation.
Beautiful Girl Names That Start With H
Helen
What could be a more beautiful name than the one shared with the most beautiful woman in mythology?
Helen, which comes from the Greek word for “torch” or “moon,” has become a name that’s lasted the test of time.
Since Ancient Greece, it’s become very popular, with actresses like Helen Mirren and Helen Hunt bearing this name.
Hadiya
This lovely Arabic girl name, the feminine form of Hadi, means “leader” or “guide” in Arabic, and has a beautiful sound to it.
Hadriana
A unique and beautiful name, Hadriana is an Ancient Roman name that’s the feminine form of Hadrianus.
It means “from Hadria” in Latin, which could be two Roman settlements, one in northern Italy and the other an important Etruscan port.
If you’re looking for a beautiful name with history and a connection to ancient Italy, this is a lovely choice.
Hermia
The feminine form of Hermes, who was the messenger god in Greek mythology, Hermia became a more popular name thanks to Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
It’s a beautiful name wrapped in literature and mythology, so perfect for a dreamy little girl.
Haidee
This is a beautiful name coming from the Ancient Greek word aidoios, which means “modest” or “reverent.”
Some sources say Lord Byron created the name for his epic poem Don Juan, featuring a character called Haideé.
It was also the name featured by the main character in French New Wave director Eric Rohmer’s film La Collectionneuse.
So, if you want a beautiful name with connections to poetry and art house films, it’s a great choice.
Hala
Coming from the Arabic word for “halo around the moon,” Hala is a beautiful name that’s popular in the Middle East.
Hala was also the name for the Prophet Muhammad’s sister-in-law.
Hathor
Hathor is a beautiful Egyptian name that means “house of Horus.”
In Egyptian mythology, Hathor is the goddess of love, so a beautiful name to give your special little girl.
Heather
This name comes from the English word heather, which is a small purple, pink, or white flower that grows in rocky areas, like the Scottish Highlands.
This lovely flower name began being used as a first name in the nineteenth century, becoming more popular from the twentieth century onwards.
Hana
This is a lovely name that is used in different countries and has different and beautiful meanings.
In Arabic, it means “bliss” or “happiness,” in Japanese, it means “flower,” and in Korean, it means “one.”
It’s also used as an alternative to Hannah in some Central European countries.
So, if you want your little girl to have a beautiful name in several languages, Hana is a lovely choice.
Haunani
This beautiful Hawaiian girls’ name means “beautiful snow” coming from the Hawaiian word hau “snow” and nani, meaning “beauty” or “glory.”
Cute Girl Names That Start With H
Hanako
This sweet Japanese name combines the words hana meaning “flower” and ko meaning “child.”
Together, Hanako means “flower child,” making it a charming choice for your little girl.
Happy
Perfect for a joyful baby girl, Happy is a name that conveys exactly what it sounds like.
It’s a cheerful name that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Heli
Heli is a cute diminutive of Helen or Helena, popular in Finland and Estonia. It’s a lovely option with a Northern touch.
Haru
Haru is a delightful Japanese name meaning “light” or “sun.”
Depending on the kanji, it can also signify “spring” or “clear water,” adding layers of depth to its beauty.
Heidi
Famous from Johanna Spyri’s children’s novel Heidi, this name is a German diminutive of Adelheid.
It means “noble” and “kind,” fitting for a sweet little girl. Heidi is also the name of the well-known supermodel, Heidi Klum.
Hermione
For fans of Harry Potter, Hermione is an excellent choice, named after the clever character in the series.
The name historically comes from the Greek god Hermes and was used long before the book’s release.
It’s also the name of a character in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale.
Hillary
Once a male name in the Middle Ages, Hillary became popular for girls in the twentieth century.
It’s well-known thanks to figures like Hillary Clinton and Hillary Duff.
Holly
This cute name is derived from the Holly tree and traces back to the Old English word holen.
A sweet alternative is Hollie. Both are great choices for a charming girl with rosy cheeks.
Honey
Honey is an affectionate name perfect for a sweet baby girl.
Historically, it was used as a nickname for caring individuals and comes from the Old English word hunig.
Hanami
Hanami is a Japanese name meaning “flower view” or “blossom view.”
It’s also the term for the event of viewing cherry blossoms in Japan. This name is perfect for a little flower in your life.
Modern Baby Girl Names Starting With H
Halle
A modern and trendy name made popular by the actress Halle Berry, Halle is a cool and contemporary choice if you’re looking for something a bit different.
The story goes that Halle Berry was named after a department store in Cleveland, which was founded by brothers with the last name Halle.
Although it’s a new girls’ name, there is a unique story behind it.
Hayleigh
This modern version of the name Hayley is catching on and could be a good fit if you want something that feels up-to-date.
Hayleigh offers a fresh twist on a classic name, making it a stylish option for modern times.
Hayden
This name became a popular unisex choice at the end of the twentieth century and is one of the last names that work well as first names.
It originates from a place name, which comes from Old English meaning “hay valley.” Despite its historical roots, Hayden is modern as a given name.
Harlee
Harlee, a modern variant of Harley, comes from a place name that meant “hare” and “woodland.”
It was mainly a boys’ name in the nineteenth century but has been used more for girls since the 1980s. It’s a trendy choice for a modern baby girl.
Heaven
Although the word “heaven” meaning “paradise” has been around for centuries, as a girls’ name, it’s modern.
Maybe being with your little one feels like a slice of heaven, or you simply like the sound of it. Heaven is a beautiful name for a modern little girl.
Heiress
Originally, the term heiress referred to “a woman who is an heir” and usually indicated a woman who would inherit a large amount of wealth.
Recently, Heiress has become a more popular first name, offering a sense of sophistication and modernity.
Heart
If your little one has stolen the hearts around her, maybe you want to give her the name Heart.
It’s a cute, modern baby name starting with H that is sure to make your little one even more loveable (not that she’ll need help with that).
Holland
Holland was initially the name for a region in the Netherlands and also a surname. Recently, it has turned into a modern first name for both boys and girls.
Holland brings a touch of international flair to a modern baby girl name.
Henley
The name Henley comes from Old English words meaning “high” and “wood.”
Like many modern names, it was first a place name, then a surname, and now it has become a unisex name. Henley is a unique and contemporary choice for girls and boys alike.
Holiday
Holiday conjures up a lovely image of leisure and vacations, coupled with sunny days.
If your little one is a ray of sunshine, then maybe Holiday is a good fit for her.
Other variants of this name include Holliday, offering a cheerful, modern name for a baby girl.
Even More Girl Names That Start With H
Haydn
Haydn is a unique name that stands out because it sounds musical. It has a classical feel.
Hajar
Hajar is a name with a rich history and meaning in many cultures. It often symbolizes strength and resilience.
Hania
Hania is a soft and sweet-sounding name. It often means “grace” or “favor.”
Haoua
Haoua is a traditional name with strong roots in African cultures. It’s uncommon and distinctive.
Hatice
Hatice is a name of Turkish origin. It is elegant and has a royal sound.
Haze
Haze is a modern, cool name. It’s short and trendy, perfect for those looking for something unique.
Heidemarie
Heidemarie combines two names, giving it a note of elegance and tradition from German-speaking regions.
Hendrika
Hendrika is a strong and traditional name. It has a Dutch origin and is often seen as very noble.
Herta
Herta is a classic name with a German background. It’s simple and timeless.
Hollis
Hollis works well as both a first name and a surname. It’s unique and has a nature-inspired feel.
Hyun
Hyun is a Korean name that’s simple yet meaningful. It often represents goodness and wisdom.
Hotaru
Hotaru is a unique name of Japanese origin. It means “firefly,” symbolizing light and beauty.
Haifa
Haifa is a name that often conveys beauty and charm. It originates from Arabic-speaking regions.
Hajna
Hajna is a name that brings a sense of elegance and tradition. It’s less common, making it a unique choice.
Hanifa
Hanifa is a name that carries a lot of cultural significance. It often means “true believer.”
Harleigh
Harleigh is a modern twist on an old name. It sounds fresh and trendy.