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70 Effortlessly Cool Girl Names that Start with H

Feb 2, 2024

70 Effortlessly Cool Girl Names that Start with H

AHEAD: The ultimate list of H names for girls… and which could go viral in 2025.

If you’re looking for beautiful girl names that start with H, you’re in the right place!

I’ve rounded up every H name that’s even the slightest bit modern and cool.

Below you’ll find over 70 names, their meanings, and current popularities.

You’ll also find a shortlist of H names poised to go viral in 2025.

Related: Boy Names that Start with H

girl names that start with h

Gender-neutral “H” names

These nonbinary names starting with H would work for a boy or a girl.

Hansel

  • Name meaning: God is gracious.
  • Popularity: This 6-letter name is not ranking for either gender.

Hayden or Haden

  • Name meaning: Heather or hay valley.
  • Popularity: Hayden isn’t ranking for girls and ranks #162 for boys. Haden isn’t ranking for either gender.

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list girl names that start with H 2025

 

Hayes

  • Name meaning: Brushwood.
  • Popularity: This Irish name isn’t ranking for girls but is #209 for boys.

Henley

  • Name meaning: High meadow.
  • Popularity: #787

Hollis

  • Name meaning: Dweller near holly trees.
  • Popularity: This tree-inspired name isn’t ranking for girls but is #1000 for boys.

Hudson or Hudsyn

  • Name meaning: Child of hud. Also a huge river in New York.
  • Popularity: Neither of these H names is ranked for girls, but Hudson ranks #21 for boys.

Hunter

  • Name meaning: One who hunts.
  • Popularity: This 2-syllable name isn’t ranking for girls but ranks #115 for boys.

list unisex h names

Hutton

  • Name meaning: Ridge enclosure.
  • Popularity: This badass name is not ranking for either gender.

Huxley or Huxlee

  • Name meaning: Inhospitable place.
  • Popularity: Neither of these modern names is ranking for girls, but Huxley is ranking #617 for boys.

Unique girl names that start with H

baby girl beach hat

These H names for girls are unique without being too far out there!

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Hadilyn

  • Name meaning: Invented name.
  • Popularity: This unique H name isn’t currently ranking.

Hale

  • Name meaning: Hollow dweller.
  • Popularity: This 4-letter name isn’t ranking.

Halia

  • Name meaning: Remembrance of a loved one.
  • Popularity: This great rainbow baby name isn’t ranking in the U.S.

Halina

  • Name meaning: Sunray or shining light.
  • Popularity: This sun-inspired name isn’t in the top 1000.

Halsey

  • Name meaning: Hal’s island or honored island.
  • Popularity: This cool H name isn’t ranking.

Hani

  • Name meaning: Happy and cheerful.
  • Popularity: This short name isn’t ranking.

Hania

  • Name meaning: To be happy. A place to rest.
  • Popularity: This name ending in a isn’t currently ranking.

Harbor

Harlem

  • Name meaning: A district of New York City known for its rich black history and culture.
  • Popularity: This city name isn’t ranking for girls but ranks #911 for boys.

Hart

  • Name meaning: Brave.
  • Popularity: This one-syllable H name isn’t ranking. Great middle name!

Hartley

  • Name meaning: Deer meadow.
  • Popularity: This H name isn’t ranking for either gender.

list unique h names girls

Hartlyn or Hartlynn

  • Name meaning: Deer lake.
  • Popularity: Neither of these girl names starting with H is ranked.

Havana

  • Name meaning: Port. The capital city of Cuba.
  • Popularity: This H name isn’t ranking.

Hensley

  • Name meaning: Invented name.
  • Popularity: This unique H name isn’t in the top 1000.

Hera

  • Name meaning: Protector. Another name for the goddess Juno.
  • Popularity: This Greek name isn’t currently ranking.

Hollyn or Hollen

  • Name meaning: Holly tree.
  • Popularity: Neither of these girl names that start with H is ranked.

Honor

  • Name meaning: Great respect.
  • Popularity: This uncommon H name isn’t ranking.

Houston

  • Name meaning: A large city in Texas.
  • Popularity: This southern name ranks #689 for boys but isn’t ranking for girls.

Spiritual “H” names for girls

baby girl sunlight shining

These H names for girls are perfect for families of faith.

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Hadassah

  • Name meaning: Myrtle tree. Biblical name.
  • Popularity: #618

Halani

  • Name meaning: Breath of heaven or thanks to heaven.
  • Popularity: This exotic name isn’t ranking.

Hallel

  • Name meaning: Praise or thanks. A prayer said on holidays to give thanks.
  • Popularity: This H name isn’t ranking.

list spiritual h names girls

Halston or Halstyn

  • Name meaning: Holy stone.
  • Popularity: This unique H name isn’t ranking.

Havilah

  • Name meaning: Stretch of sand. Biblical place name.
  • Popularity: This three-syllable name isn’t ranking.

Heaven

  • Name meaning: Believed to be the abode of God.
  • Popularity: #514

Helga

  • Name meaning: Holy or sacred.
  • Popularity: This 5-letter name isn’t ranking.

Hope

  • Name meaning: Expectations.
  • Popularity: #302

If you like these spiritual H names you’ll like these names that mean graceful.

Timeless “H” names for girls

baby girl mom arms up in air

These H names don’t tend to evoke any particular decade, making them timeless.

Harriet

  • Name meaning: Home.
  • Popularity: This Victorian name isn’t ranking.

Heather

  • Name meaning: Evergreen flowering plant.
  • Popularity: This H name isn’t ranking.

Helen

  • Name meaning: Shining light.
  • Popularity: #397

Henrietta

  • Name meaning: Estate ruler.
  • Popularity: This 4-syllable name isn’t ranking.

Hilda

  • Name meaning: Battle or hiding.
  • Popularity: This German name isn’t ranking.

list timeless h names girls

Holly

  • Name meaning: Holly bushes are known for their red berries and their spiny evergreen leaves.
  • Popularity: #450

Will any H names for girls go viral in 2025?

Yes, I believe so!

Among girl names that start with H, there is one stand-out H name poised for dramatic growth this year:

Halo

Halo is showing classic viral momentum, with a remarkable 41% improvement in ranking since 2019 (from #964 to #567).

The name’s acceleration is particularly noteworthy in 2023, jumping 203 spots (a 26.4% rank improvement) from #770 to #567 in a single year.

Given to 520 baby girls in 2023 (and notably, about 120 boys), Halo has seen its highest usage ever, marking a 397% increase in total usage since 2019.

High-profile celebrity choices are amplifying visibility: Nick Cannon and Alyssa Scott chose it in late 2022, followed by actress Halle Bailey in late 2023.

The name is also gaining international traction, recently appearing on England & Wales charts at #962 after being previously unranked.

Its dramatic five-year trajectory tells the story: #964 (2019) → #938 (2020) → #740 (2021) → #770 (2022) → #567 (2023), showing the kind of accelerating momentum that typically precedes viral growth.

This 203-spot jump in 2023 is particularly significant given it occurred while the name was already in the top 1000 – such dramatic movements become increasingly rare as names climb higher in the rankings.

The data suggests Halo could realistically reach the top 300 by 2025 if it maintains its current momentum of roughly 25% rank improvement per year.

What about the other H names?

Several other girl names that start with H demonstrate healthy but more measured growth patterns:

Haven made the most dramatic move among the remaining H names for girls, jumping 66 spots from #285 to #219 in 2023. While impressive, this steady climb suggests more gradual growth rather than viral explosion.

Harlow continues its strong performance, climbing 25 spots to #238 in 2023. Despite showing acceleration and strong international appeal (ranking #83 in Australia and #95 in Scotland), its movement lacks the explosive momentum typically associated with viral growth.

Hallie, at #194, shows particular strength internationally, ranking in the top 35 in both Scotland and England. However, its measured climb suggests it’s following a pattern of steady appreciation rather than viral trajectory.

Holland made a respectable 23-spot improvement to #568 in 2023, but its momentum appears to be slowing rather than accelerating, with smaller gains in recent years compared to its earlier jumps of 118 spots (2018) and 96 spots (2019).

Hattie improved 28 spots to #383, riding the “grandma chic” trend alongside names like Goldie and Birdie. While showing consistent growth, particularly in the UK (where it ranks #156), it lacks the explosive momentum needed for viral status.

Hazel, already a top 20 name at #19, continues to climb steadily but has transitioned from trendy to established, making viral growth unlikely from such a high ranking position.

Helena, improving 17 spots to #456, maintains its century-long pattern of steady movement. Despite strong international rankings (including #1 in Brazil), its U.S. trajectory remains too measured to suggest viral potential.

These girl names that start with H all show promising growth, but none demonstrate the kind of dramatic acceleration (200+ spots in a year) that characterizes Halo’s potential viral trajectory.

Nicknames for girl names that start with H

These are great if you love long names but want a shorter H-starting nickname.

Hal or Hallie

Short for: Halani, Halina, Halsey, Halston, Halo

Hattie or Haddie

Short for: Harriet, Henrietta, Hadassah

Hay

Short for: Hayden, Hayes

Honey

Short for: Holland, Honor, Hunter

Hettie

Short for: Henrietta, Heather

Lena

Short for: Helena

Holly

Short for: Holland, Hollis, Hollyn

Middle name ideas for first names that start with H

Here are some beautiful first + middle name combinations for a first name with H as the first letter.

  • Hadassah Grace
  • Hadilyn Everly
  • Hadley Reese
  • Hailey Sage
  • Haisley Belle
  • Halani Rose
  • Hale Emmeline
  • Halia Alexandra
  • Halina Pearl
  • Hallel Aria
  • Hallie Brooke
  • Halo Sophia
  • Halsey Madison
  • Halston Lily
  • Hani Annabelle
  • Hania Scarlett
  • Hannah Charlotte
  • Hansel Lylah
  • Harbor Leigh
  • Harlem Lennox
  • Harley Grace
  • Harlow Penelope
  • Harmony Page
  • Harper Blakely
  • Harriet Eve
  • Hart Brinley
  • Hartley Blake
  • Hartlyn Faye
  • Hattie Jade
  • Havana Ryder
  • Haven Valerie
  • Havilah Avery
  • Hayden Violet
  • Hayes Madelyn
  • Hazel Alexandra
  • Heather Aubrey
  • Heaven Delilah
  • Heidi Marie
  • Helen Marley
  • Helena Ruby
  • Helga Lacey
  • Henley Mia
  • Henrietta Sophie
  • Hensley Paige
  • Hera Magnolia
  • Hilda Lark
  • Holland Blaire
  • Hollis Abigail
  • Holly Juliette
  • Hollyn Mackenzie
  • Honor Shiloh
  • Hope Palmer
  • Houston Everly
  • Hudsyn Blakely
  • Hunter Rylan
  • Hutton Layne
  • Huxley Piper
unique girl names that start with h

Spelling variations of girl names that start with H

There are seemingly endless ways to spell many of the baby names on this list.

If you’re looking to get creative, here are some variations to consider.

Hadassah:

    Hadasa, Hadasha, Hadassa, Haddasah, Haddassah, Haddassa, Hadesah, Hadessah, Hadessa
  • Hadley: Hadlea, Hadlee, Hadlei, Hadleigh, Hadlie, Hadly, Haddleigh
  • Hartley: Hartleigh, Hartlie, Hartly, Hartlee
  • Harley: Harlei, Harleigh, Harli, Harlie, Harliegh, Harlee
  • Harmony: Harmani, Harmany, Harmonee, Harmoney, Harmoni, Harmonie
  • Hensley: Henslee, Hensleigh, Henslie, Hensly
  • Harlow: Harleaux, Harlo, Harloe, Harlowe
  • Hailey: Haley, Hayley, Hayleigh, Hayli, Haylie, Haleigh, Haylei, Haylee
  • Halley: Halle, Hallee, Hallei, Halleigh, Halli, Hallie, Hally, Hali
  • Haisley: Haisly, Hayzlee, Haizlee, Haizleigh, Haizley, Haizly, Haislea, Haislee, Haisleigh
  • Hayden: Haden, Haiden, Haidyn, Haidynn
  • Henley: Henlee, Henleigh, Henly
  • Haven: Hayven, Hayvn
  • Holly: Holley, Hollie
  • Hazel: Hayzel, Hazell, Hazelle, Haizel, Haizelle, Haizy, Haezel, Haesel, Hazyl
  • Hattie: Haddi, Haddie
  • Hadilyn: Haddilyn, Hadlynn
  • Haliah: Halya, Haliya, Haliyah, Halaya, Hailah

Fair warning, though: Until you correct them, most people will default to the more popular spelling of whatever H name you choose.

aesthetic girl names that start with h list

Girl Names That Start With H: Trend Analysis

Girl names that start with H occupy 32 spots in the top 1000, with standout performers Harper (#11) and Hazel (#19).

The vintage revival trend shows strongly in this group, with gems like Hattie (#383), Helen (#397), and Helena (#456) gaining renewed interest.

Nature influences appear prominently in H names, including Haven (#219), Holly (#450), and chart-topping Harper (originally meaning “harp player” but now associated with songbirds).

Sound patterns reveal a strong preference for -ley/-lee/-ly endings: Hadley, Hailey, Harley, Henley.

The spiritual/virtue category shows significant representation: Heaven (#514), Hope (#302), Harmony (#231), Halo (#567).

Modern coinages and surname adaptations dominate upper rankings: Harper, Hadley, Harlow (#238).

Hebrew origins appear notably in Hannah (#48) and Hadassah (#618).

Geographic inspiration emerges through Holland (#568).

Unisex options gain traction: Hayden (#368), Hunter (#807).

The -ar sound frequently appears in trending choices: Harper, Harlow, Harmony, Harley.

2025 Predictions:

  • Halo shows viral potential, riding the wave of spiritual meanings and modern sounds
  • Vintage options Hattie and Helen continue steady climbs
  • Hadassah attracts parents seeking names with deep religious significance
  • Harper maintains top 15 status but may plateau
  • Harlow enters top 200 territory

For parents exploring girl names that start with H, the good news is that this versatile initial offers something for every style, from timeless classics to modern innovations.

Questions to help you choose the perfect H name

Before solidifying your daughter’s name, here are 6 useful questions to ask yourself!

    1. Is the name too reminiscent of a certain person or character? I’d personally skip H names like Hillary and Hermoine. It’s pretty impossible to hear either of those names without thinking of Clinton or Harry Potter, respectively.
    2. Are you setting her up for an initials faux-pas when she gets married? This is a really easy one to forget. A name like Harper Avery is super cute… and might be perfectly fine for your baby’s CURRENT last name. But is she going to think twice before going on a date with someone whose last name is Grant, for example?
    3. Will a young child be able to pronounce the name? This is another one that’s really easy to overlook when choosing the perfect baby name. Keep in mind that lots of little kids have trouble saying “R”, “S”, “L”, “Th”, and “Z”. A name like Harley might be really hard for your kiddo (and her friends) to say for a while.
    4. Is the name too popular? Let’s just say your daughter goes on The Bachelor. Do you want her to have to go by “Harper R” since there’s also a “Harper C”? I’m joking, of course. But take a moment to think about whether you want to choose a name that’s in the top 10.
    5. Do you like the possible nicknames? You won’t have control over the nicknames your daughter’s friends, and even other family members, come up with. If you give your daughter the H name Havila, are you okay with the nickname Havi?
    6. How intuitive is the name’s pronunciation? Most of the H names for girls on this list are pretty easy to pronounce. Still, take a second to consider whether or not your child will have to spend a lifetime correcting others on how to say her name—particularly if you decide to go with an unusual spelling variation or unexpected emphasis on a certain syllable.

As you go through these questions, you may decide that one or some of these issues don’t matter to you at all—and that’s totally fine.

Ultimately, you and your partner should choose whichever H name makes you the happiest. It’s a very personal decision that only you can make!

girl names that start with h

The source for popularity data is SSN.

This article was originally published on Dec 11, 2021 and was updated on Feb 2, 2025.

Baby Girl Names that Start with H