Honor

Girl Name
Origin:latin
Pronunciation:/ˈɒn.ər/

Honor: a female name of Latin origin meaning "This name derives from the Latin “honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius,” meaning “honor, respect, praise, tribute, offering to a deity, honored, esteemed, respected". It derives from the Latin word "honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius".

Honor has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Latin roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Latin “honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius,” meaning “honor, respect, praise, tribute, offering to a deity, honored, esteemed, respected" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.

Quick Facts About Honor

Quick facts about Honor
OriginLatin
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Latin “honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius,” meaning “honor, respect, praise, tribute, offering to a deity, honored, esteemed, respected.” Honorius was Western Roman Emperor from 395 to 423. He was the younger son of emperor Theodosius I and his first wife, Aelia Flaccilla, and brother of Arcadius, who was the Byzantine Emperor from 395 until he died in 408. Honorius also was a member of the Gregorian mission to Christianize the Anglo-Saxons from their native Anglo-Saxon paganism in 597 AD, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius

How to Pronounce Honor

Honor is pronounced /ˈɒn.ər/(Latin)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Hon-or
  2. Say it like: "HON-OR"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Usage & Popularity

Honor is predominantly used in english speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

english
Name Relationships

Honor is a variant form of Honour, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honor
What does the name Honor mean?
Honor means "This name derives from the Latin “honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius,” meaning “honor, respect, praise, tribute, offering to a deity, honored, esteemed, respected.” Honorius was Western Roman Emperor from 395 to 423. He was the younger son of emperor Theodosius I and his first wife, Aelia Flaccilla, and brother of Arcadius, who was the Byzantine Emperor from 395 until he died in 408. Honorius also was a member of the Gregorian mission to Christianize the Anglo-Saxons from their native Anglo-Saxon paganism in 597 AD, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury.". The name comes from honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius. This latin name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Honor for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Latin “honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius,” meaning “honor, respect, praise, tribute, offering to a deity, honored, esteemed, respected.” Honorius was Western Roman Emperor from 395 to 423. He was the younger son of emperor Theodosius I and his first wife, Aelia Flaccilla, and brother of Arcadius, who was the Byzantine Emperor from 395 until he died in 408. Honorius also was a member of the Gregorian mission to Christianize the Anglo-Saxons from their native Anglo-Saxon paganism in 597 AD, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Honor's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Honor?
Honor is a latin name. The name traces back to honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius. The name remains closely tied to english naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The latin meaning "This name derives from the Latin “honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius,” meaning “honor, respect, praise, tribute, offering to a deity, honored, esteemed, respected.” Honorius was Western Roman Emperor from 395 to 423. He was the younger son of emperor Theodosius I and his first wife, Aelia Flaccilla, and brother of Arcadius, who was the Byzantine Emperor from 395 until he died in 408. Honorius also was a member of the Gregorian mission to Christianize the Anglo-Saxons from their native Anglo-Saxon paganism in 597 AD, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Honor developed as a form of Honour, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Honor a boy or girl name?
Honor is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In latin tradition, Honor has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Latin “honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius,” meaning “honor, respect, praise, tribute, offering to a deity, honored, esteemed, respected.” Honorius was Western Roman Emperor from 395 to 423. He was the younger son of emperor Theodosius I and his first wife, Aelia Flaccilla, and brother of Arcadius, who was the Byzantine Emperor from 395 until he died in 408. Honorius also was a member of the Gregorian mission to Christianize the Anglo-Saxons from their native Anglo-Saxon paganism in 597 AD, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Honor?
Honor is pronounced "/ˈɒn.ər/". This pronunciation follows la language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Honor is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with latin names, listening to a native speaker say Honor can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Honor?
Honor is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Honor offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Honor's popularity may vary between latin communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Latin “honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius,” meaning “honor, respect, praise, tribute, offering to a deity, honored, esteemed, respected.” Honorius was Western Roman Emperor from 395 to 423. He was the younger son of emperor Theodosius I and his first wife, Aelia Flaccilla, and brother of Arcadius, who was the Byzantine Emperor from 395 until he died in 408. Honorius also was a member of the Gregorian mission to Christianize the Anglo-Saxons from their native Anglo-Saxon paganism in 597 AD, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Honor holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Honor?
Honor is a form of Honour. Over time, Honour developed into several variations, with Honor emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In latin tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Latin “honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius,” meaning “honor, respect, praise, tribute, offering to a deity, honored, esteemed, respected.” Honorius was Western Roman Emperor from 395 to 423. He was the younger son of emperor Theodosius I and his first wife, Aelia Flaccilla, and brother of Arcadius, who was the Byzantine Emperor from 395 until he died in 408. Honorius also was a member of the Gregorian mission to Christianize the Anglo-Saxons from their native Anglo-Saxon paganism in 597 AD, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Honor might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In english, Honor may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Honor commonly used?
Honor is used primarily in english naming traditions. Though latin in origin, Honor found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Latin “honor > honōre(m) > honōrus > Honorius,” meaning “honor, respect, praise, tribute, offering to a deity, honored, esteemed, respected.” Honorius was Western Roman Emperor from 395 to 423. He was the younger son of emperor Theodosius I and his first wife, Aelia Flaccilla, and brother of Arcadius, who was the Byzantine Emperor from 395 until he died in 408. Honorius also was a member of the Gregorian mission to Christianize the Anglo-Saxons from their native Anglo-Saxon paganism in 597 AD, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Honor into their naming traditions. A child named Honor will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Honor is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

Similar Names

Explore More Names