Hittite-hurrian Names

Hittite-hurrian names belong to the Hittite-hurrian language tradition. This collection contains 48 Hittite-hurrian names with their meanings, cultural backgrounds, and pronunciation guides. You'll find 16 names traditionally given to boys and 27 names for girls, reflecting naming patterns from regions where Hittite-hurrian is spoken. These names carry the linguistic heritage and cultural values of Hittite-hurrian-speaking communities. Common themes include divine, noble, nature, showing what Hittite-hurrian cultures have valued across generations.

48 total names
16 boy names
27 girl names

Inar

Inar is a Hittite god of woods and fields. There Tarhun sends Inar to look for sun god Istanu, but the ice devil Hahhima freezes Inar. Inar's tasks are similar to the tasks of the god of wild animals and hunting, Kurunta.

Boy

Pirwa

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “pirṷa > peruna,” probably meaning “rock, stone, mountain,” maybe connected to the roofs of the houses built with stone. Pirwa is a Hittite deity whose nature is poorly understood. He/She is sometimes referred to as “queen,” though archaeologists believe he/she was a male god. Pirwa worship seems to have involved horses and horse-related symbols. Pirwa is usually depicted on a horse with an eagle, his sacred bird.

Unisex

Inara

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “Inara,” meaning “ray of light, heaven-sent.” Inara, in Hittite–Hurrian mythology, was the goddess of the wild animals of the steppe and daughter of the Storm-god Teshub/Tarhunt. She corresponds to the “potnia theron” of Greek mythology, better known as Artemis. Inara’s mother is probably Hebat, and her brother is Sarruma.

Girl

Alalu

Alalu is a god in Hurrian mythology. The Greeks identified him as Hypsistos. He was also called Alalus. He is considered to have housed “the Hosts of Sky,” the divine family because he was a progenitor of the gods and possibly Earth’s father.

Boy

Aruna

Varuna was a god of the sky, water, the celestial ocean, and a god of law and the underworld. A crocodile named Makara is his mount. In Hindu mythology, Varuna continued to be considered the god of all forms of the water element, particularly the oceans. As chief of the Adityas, Varuna has aspects of a solar deity, though, when opposed to Mitra (Vedic term for Surya), he is instead associated with the night and Mitra with the daylight.

Boy

Inārs

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “Inara,” meaning “ray of light, heaven-sent.” Inara, in Hittite–Hurrian mythology, was the goddess of the wild animals of the steppe and daughter of the Storm-god Teshub/Tarhunt. She corresponds to the “potnia theron” of Greek mythology, better known as Artemis. Inara’s mother is probably Hebat, and her brother is Sarruma.

Boy

Lesbia

This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Lésbos (Λέσβος),” an island of Greece in the north-eastern Aegean Sea. Name probably meaning “forested” or “woody,” possibly a Hittite borrowing. Lesbia was the literary pseudonym used by the Roman poet Gaius Valerius Catullus (~82–52 BC) to refer to his lover. Lesbia is traditionally identified with Clodia, the wife of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Celer and sister of Publius Clodius Pulcher; her conduct and motives are maligned in Cicero’s extant speech Pro Caelio, delivered in 56 BC.

Girl

Inaras

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “Inara,” meaning “ray of light, heaven-sent.” Inara, in Hittite–Hurrian mythology, was the goddess of the wild animals of the steppe and daughter of the Storm-god Teshub/Tarhunt. She corresponds to the “potnia theron” of Greek mythology, better known as Artemis. Inara’s mother is probably Hebat, and her brother is Sarruma.

Girl

Peruwa

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “pirṷa > peruna,” probably meaning “rock, stone, mountain,” maybe connected to the roofs of the houses built with stone. Pirwa is a Hittite deity whose nature is poorly understood. He/She is sometimes referred to as “queen,” though archaeologists believe he/she was a male god. Pirwa worship seems to have involved horses and horse-related symbols. Pirwa is usually depicted on a horse with an eagle, his sacred bird.

Unisex

Alalus

Alalu is a god in Hurrian mythology. The Greeks identified him as Hypsistos. He was also called Alalus. He is considered to have housed “the Hosts of Sky,” the divine family because he was a progenitor of the gods and possibly Earth’s father.

Boy

Šauška

Šawuška was a Hurrian mother-goddess and fertility-goddess, also adopted into the Hittite pantheon. She is known in detail because she became the patron goddess of the Hittite king Hattusili III (1420–1400 BC) following his marriage to Puduhepa, the daughter of the goddess’s high priest. She is also commonly identified as “Sauska,” Syrian “Kubaba,” Syrian “Kubaba” or “Cybele.”

Girl

Ishara

Ishara (išḫara) is the Hittite word for “treaty, binding promise,” also personified as a goddess of the oath. In Alalah, her name was written with the Akkadogram “Ištar” plus a phonetic complement “-ra” (Ištar-ra). This name derives from the Akkadian (Babylonian) “ištar.” Ishtar is the Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of fertility, war, love, and sex. She is the counterpart to the Sumerian “Inanna” and the cognate north-west Semitic goddess “Astarte”.

Girl

Istanu

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “estan,” meaning “Sun-god.” Istanu is the Hittite and Hattic goddess of the sun. She was a god of judgment and was depicted bearing a winged sun on her crown or head-dress and a crooked staff.

Boy

Piruna

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “pirṷa > peruna,” probably meaning “rock, stone, mountain,” maybe connected to the roofs of the houses built with stone. Pirwa is a Hittite deity whose nature is poorly understood. He/She is sometimes referred to as “queen,” though archaeologists believe he/she was a male god. Pirwa worship seems to have involved horses and horse-related symbols. Pirwa is usually depicted on a horse with an eagle, his sacred bird.

Unisex

Peruna

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “pirṷa > peruna,” probably meaning “rock, stone, mountain,” maybe connected to the roofs of the houses built with stone. Pirwa is a Hittite deity whose nature is poorly understood. He/She is sometimes referred to as “queen,” though archaeologists believe he/she was a male god. Pirwa worship seems to have involved horses and horse-related symbols. Pirwa is usually depicted on a horse with an eagle, his sacred bird.

Unisex

Šaušga

Šawuška was a Hurrian mother-goddess and fertility-goddess, also adopted into the Hittite pantheon. She is known in detail because she became the patron goddess of the Hittite king Hattusili III (1420–1400 BC) following his marriage to Puduhepa, the daughter of the goddess’s high priest. She is also commonly identified as “Sauska,” Syrian “Kubaba,” Syrian “Kubaba” or “Cybele.”

Girl

Sharuma

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “Šarruma,” meaning “king of the mountains.” It is a Hurrian god who was adopted into the Hittite pantheon. Sarruma is a son of the weather-god Teshub and the goddess Hebat and brother of the goddess Inara. He is often depicted riding a tiger or panther and carrying an ax.

Boy

Šawuška

Šawuška was a Hurrian mother-goddess and fertility-goddess, also adopted into the Hittite pantheon. She is known in detail because she became the patron goddess of the Hittite king Hattusili III (1420–1400 BC) following his marriage to Puduhepa, the daughter of the goddess’s high priest. She is also commonly identified as “Sauska,” Syrian “Kubaba,” Syrian “Kubaba” or “Cybele.”

Girl

Sarruma

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “Šarruma,” meaning “king of the mountains.” It is a Hurrian god who was adopted into the Hittite pantheon. Sarruma is a son of the weather-god Teshub and the goddess Hebat and brother of the goddess Inara. He is often depicted riding a tiger or panther and carrying an ax.

Boy

Lelwani

Lelwani is a Hittite god of the underworld, referred to as “King.” Over time, he seems to have developed into a female deity. She lived in the dark earth, and her shrines were connected with charnel houses and mausoleums.

Girl

Kurunta

Kurunta is the Hittite god of wild animals and hunting. Similar tasks have the god Inar. Kurunta's Insignia was the deer. He became king of gods after he had thrown Tarhun down from the sky. The god rebels force humanity against the gods and even does not care about the powerful gods.

Boy

Isztanu

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “estan,” meaning “Sun-god.” Istanu is the Hittite and Hattic goddess of the sun. She was a god of judgment and was depicted bearing a winged sun on her crown or head-dress and a crooked staff.

Boy

Arunasz

Varuna was a god of the sky, water, the celestial ocean, and a god of law and the underworld. A crocodile named Makara is his mount. In Hindu mythology, Varuna continued to be considered the god of all forms of the water element, particularly the oceans. As chief of the Adityas, Varuna has aspects of a solar deity, though, when opposed to Mitra (Vedic term for Surya), he is instead associated with the night and Mitra with the daylight.

Boy

Inarasz

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “Inara,” meaning “ray of light, heaven-sent.” Inara, in Hittite–Hurrian mythology, was the goddess of the wild animals of the steppe and daughter of the Storm-god Teshub/Tarhunt. She corresponds to the “potnia theron” of Greek mythology, better known as Artemis. Inara’s mother is probably Hebat, and her brother is Sarruma.

Girl

Shaushka

Šawuška was a Hurrian mother-goddess and fertility-goddess, also adopted into the Hittite pantheon. She is known in detail because she became the patron goddess of the Hittite king Hattusili III (1420–1400 BC) following his marriage to Puduhepa, the daughter of the goddess’s high priest. She is also commonly identified as “Sauska,” Syrian “Kubaba,” Syrian “Kubaba” or “Cybele.”

Girl

Hasameli

Hasameli was the Hittite god of blacksmiths and craftsmen. Associated with smoke, he was invoked to encircle and hide from his enemy in a secret assault. He may be related to the Greek Hephaestus.

Boy

Szarruma

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “Šarruma,” meaning “king of the mountains.” It is a Hurrian god who was adopted into the Hittite pantheon. Sarruma is a son of the weather-god Teshub and the goddess Hebat and brother of the goddess Inara. He is often depicted riding a tiger or panther and carrying an ax.

Boy

Lilwanis

Lelwani is a Hittite god of the underworld, referred to as “King.” Over time, he seems to have developed into a female deity. She lived in the dark earth, and her shrines were connected with charnel houses and mausoleums.

Girl

Lilu-ani

Lelwani is a Hittite god of the underworld, referred to as “King.” Over time, he seems to have developed into a female deity. She lived in the dark earth, and her shrines were connected with charnel houses and mausoleums.

Girl

Peruvasz

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “pirṷa > peruna,” probably meaning “rock, stone, mountain,” maybe connected to the roofs of the houses built with stone. Pirwa is a Hittite deity whose nature is poorly understood. He/She is sometimes referred to as “queen,” though archaeologists believe he/she was a male god. Pirwa worship seems to have involved horses and horse-related symbols. Pirwa is usually depicted on a horse with an eagle, his sacred bird.

Unisex

Szauszka

Šawuška was a Hurrian mother-goddess and fertility-goddess, also adopted into the Hittite pantheon. She is known in detail because she became the patron goddess of the Hittite king Hattusili III (1420–1400 BC) following his marriage to Puduhepa, the daughter of the goddess’s high priest. She is also commonly identified as “Sauska,” Syrian “Kubaba,” Syrian “Kubaba” or “Cybele.”

Girl

Hatepinu

This name derives from the Hattian (present-day Turkey) name “Hatepuna,” composed of two elements: “ha” (sea) plus “puna” (child). Hatepuna is a Hattian goddess; she is the daughter of the sea god and becomes the wife of Telipinu because of the rescue of Istanu. Tarhun and the sea god agree under the meditation of Hannahannah to a bride price.

Girl

Hatepuna

This name derives from the Hattian (present-day Turkey) name “Hatepuna,” composed of two elements: “ha” (sea) plus “puna” (child). Hatepuna is a Hattian goddess; she is the daughter of the sea god and becomes the wife of Telipinu because of the rescue of Istanu. Tarhun and the sea god agree under the meditation of Hannahannah to a bride price.

Girl

Kamrusepa

Kamrusepa is a Hittite goddess of healing, medicine, and magic. She is the mother of Aruna. She is involved in the Telepinu Myth, about the “missing” vegetation god.

Girl

Ḫašammeli

Hasameli was the Hittite god of blacksmiths and craftsmen. Associated with smoke, he was invoked to encircle and hide from his enemy in a secret assault. He may be related to the Greek Hephaestus.

Boy

Ḫalmašuit

In Hittite mythology, Hanwasuit was the “throne-goddess” of the kings. The Hittites believed that the kings derived their right to rule from Hanwasuit.

Girl

Hanwasuit

In Hittite mythology, Hanwasuit was the “throne-goddess” of the kings. The Hittites believed that the kings derived their right to rule from Hanwasuit.

Girl

Kuruntasz

Kurunta is the Hittite god of wild animals and hunting. Similar tasks have the god Inar. Kurunta's Insignia was the deer. He became king of gods after he had thrown Tarhun down from the sky. The god rebels force humanity against the gods and even does not care about the powerful gods.

Boy

Kamruszepa

Kamrusepa is a Hittite goddess of healing, medicine, and magic. She is the mother of Aruna. She is involved in the Telepinu Myth, about the “missing” vegetation god.

Girl

Ḫannaḫanna

This name derives from the Akkadian (Sumerian), Hebrew, and Hittite-Hurrian roots: “(Inanna) (Ḥannāh) (Hannas),” meaning “grandmother.” Hannas, in Hittite-Hurrian mythology, is a “mother goddess” related to or influenced by the pre-Sumerian goddess “Inanna,” and is similar in name to the Biblical Hannah, mother of Samuel. In fact, in the Czech language, the name is translated “channa-channa” directly from the Hebrew “Channâh.”

Girl

Hannahannah

This name derives from the Akkadian (Sumerian), Hebrew, and Hittite-Hurrian roots: “(Inanna) (Ḥannāh) (Hannas),” meaning “grandmother.” Hannas, in Hittite-Hurrian mythology, is a “mother goddess” related to or influenced by the pre-Sumerian goddess “Inanna,” and is similar in name to the Biblical Hannah, mother of Samuel. In fact, in the Czech language, the name is translated “channa-channa” directly from the Hebrew “Channâh.”

Girl

Ināra

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “Inara,” meaning “ray of light, heaven-sent.” Inara, in Hittite–Hurrian mythology, was the goddess of the wild animals of the steppe and daughter of the Storm-god Teshub/Tarhunt. She corresponds to the “potnia theron” of Greek mythology, better known as Artemis. Inara’s mother is probably Hebat, and her brother is Sarruma.

Girl

Sauska

Šawuška was a Hurrian mother-goddess and fertility-goddess, also adopted into the Hittite pantheon. She is known in detail because she became the patron goddess of the Hittite king Hattusili III (1420–1400 BC) following his marriage to Puduhepa, the daughter of the goddess’s high priest. She is also commonly identified as “Sauska,” Syrian “Kubaba,” Syrian “Kubaba” or “Cybele.”

Girl

Ištanu

This name derives from the Hittite-Hurrian “estan,” meaning “Sun-god.” Istanu is the Hittite and Hattic goddess of the sun. She was a god of judgment and was depicted bearing a winged sun on her crown or head-dress and a crooked staff.

Boy

Channa-Channa

This name derives from the Akkadian (Sumerian), Hebrew, and Hittite-Hurrian roots: “(Inanna) (Ḥannāh) (Hannas),” meaning “grandmother.” Hannas, in Hittite-Hurrian mythology, is a “mother goddess” related to or influenced by the pre-Sumerian goddess “Inanna,” and is similar in name to the Biblical Hannah, mother of Samuel. In fact, in the Czech language, the name is translated “channa-channa” directly from the Hebrew “Channâh.”

Girl

Ḫatepuna

This name derives from the Hattian (present-day Turkey) name “Hatepuna,” composed of two elements: “ha” (sea) plus “puna” (child). Hatepuna is a Hattian goddess; she is the daughter of the sea god and becomes the wife of Telipinu because of the rescue of Istanu. Tarhun and the sea god agree under the meditation of Hannahannah to a bride price.

Girl

Kamrušepa

Kamrusepa is a Hittite goddess of healing, medicine, and magic. She is the mother of Aruna. She is involved in the Telepinu Myth, about the “missing” vegetation god.

Girl

Hannahanna

This name derives from the Akkadian (Sumerian), Hebrew, and Hittite-Hurrian roots: “(Inanna) (Ḥannāh) (Hannas),” meaning “grandmother.” Hannas, in Hittite-Hurrian mythology, is a “mother goddess” related to or influenced by the pre-Sumerian goddess “Inanna,” and is similar in name to the Biblical Hannah, mother of Samuel. In fact, in the Czech language, the name is translated “channa-channa” directly from the Hebrew “Channâh.”

Girl

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Popular Themes in Hittite-hurrian Names

Related Origins

History of Hittite-hurrian Names

Hittite-hurrian names developed within the Hittite-hurrian language tradition. The naming traditions from regions where Hittite-hurrian is spoken have evolved over centuries, shaped by migration, trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Today's Hittite-hurrian names carry this history.

Hittite-hurrian naming traditions reflect the values and beliefs of regions where Hittite-hurrian is spoken. Names served multiple purposes: identifying individuals, honoring ancestors, expressing hopes for a child's future, and marking religious or cultural affiliation. These functions shaped which names became popular and how they were used.

Today, Hittite-hurrian names appear far beyond regions where Hittite-hurrian is spoken. Immigration, global media, and cultural exchange have made many Hittite-hurrian names familiar worldwide. Parents choose these names to honor heritage, appreciate their meanings, or simply because they like how they sound. The 48 names in this collection range from ancient choices still popular today to names that have fallen out of use but retain historical interest.

Hittite-hurrian Naming Traditions

Hittite-hurrian naming traditions have developed their own patterns and preferences. Names may honor family members, reflect religious beliefs, describe hoped-for qualities, or commemorate significant events. These patterns explain which names stayed popular.

These traditional patterns still matter, but modern parents also mix things up. Some combine traditional and contemporary elements, pick names from other cultures, or create unique variations of classic names.

Gender Distribution

48
Total Names
16
Boy Names (33%)
27
Girl Names (56%)

This collection breaks down to 33% masculine names (16) and 56% feminine names (27). About 10% (5) work as gender-neutral or unisex options.

How to Pronounce Hittite-hurrian Names

Hittite-hurrian names follow the phonetic rules of their language of origin. English speakers may need to adjust their pronunciation for sounds that don't exist in English. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide to help.

When in doubt about pronunciation, listening to native speakers helps more than reading transliterations. Each name page has a pronunciation guide. If you're considering a Hittite-hurrian name for your child, say it out loud and think about how others in your community will pronounce it.

Hittite-hurrian Names Today

The 48 Hittite-hurrian names in this collection offer choices ranging from familiar options to rare discoveries. Each carries cultural meaning from regions where Hittite-hurrian is spoken.

Hittite-hurrian names for girls outnumber those for boys in our collection. Many cultures have developed distinct naming traditions for each gender.

Current naming trends show renewed interest in heritage names, with parents seeking meaningful connections to cultural roots. Some Hittite-hurrian names have crossed over to mainstream use, while others remain specific to Hittite-hurrian-speaking communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hittite-hurrian Names

What are popular Hittite-hurrian names for boys?

Popular Hittite-hurrian names for boys include Inar, Pirwa, Inara, Alalu, Aruna. Our database contains 16 Hittite-hurrian names traditionally given to boys, ranging from classic choices to unique options.

What are popular Hittite-hurrian names for girls?

Our collection includes 27 Hittite-hurrian names for girls. Popular choices blend traditional sounds with meaningful origins. Use the feminine tab to explore options organized by popularity.

What do Hittite-hurrian names typically mean?

Hittite-hurrian names carry meanings from the Hittite-hurrian language tradition. Common themes in Hittite-hurrian names include divine, noble, nature, dark. Each name in our database includes its specific meaning and cultural context.

How do you pronounce Hittite-hurrian names?

Hittite-hurrian names follow the phonetic rules of their language. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide. When uncertain, listening to native speakers provides the most accurate reference.

How many Hittite-hurrian names are there?

This database contains 48 Hittite-hurrian names: 16 for boys and 27 for girls. This represents documented names that have been used historically or are in current use. The actual number of Hittite-hurrian names ever used is certainly higher.

Are Hittite-hurrian names hard to spell?

Spelling difficulty depends on the specific name and your familiarity with Hittite-hurrian phonetics. Some Hittite-hurrian names have been adapted to English spelling conventions, making them straightforward. Others retain original spellings that may be unfamiliar. Consider how important easy spelling is to you when choosing a name.