Girl Names Starting with H

An Overview of the Names

• Habiba: A name from the Arabic-speaking world. The documented word meaning is "the beloved" or "the friend."
• Hailey: This English given name traces back to a place and family name. The common interpretation derives it from Old English words for "hay" and "clearing"; its origin as a surname is particularly well documented.
• Hania: This name exists in various linguistic regions. It can be a Polish short form of Hanna or originate from Arabic. Given these different origins, a single generalized meaning would be too imprecise.
• Hanna: Traces back to the Hebrew name Channah; the documented word base means "grace" or "favor." A common spelling variant is Hannah.
• Hannelore: A German compound name created as a blend of Hanne (from Johanna or Hanna) and Lore (from Eleonore).
• Harper: An English name that was originally an occupational surname. It documents the work of a harp player.
• Hava: A variant of the Hebrew name Chava, which also forms the basis for Eva. The documented meaning is "the living one" or "mother of the living."
• Hedda: An established short form of Hedwig, particularly common in Scandinavian and German-speaking regions.
• Hedi: A short form that also traces back to Hedwig. Both Old High German syllables (hadu and wig) stand for "battle."
• Heidi: This originally Swiss short form traces back to Adelheid. The Old High German roots mean "noble" (adal) and "kind," "manner," or "nature" (heit).
• Helena: Helena is a Greek name that is also handed down in the form Helene. "The shining one" is a common interpretation via the Greek word for "torch." The original meaning of the name is not conclusively resolved.
• Hella: A documented short form mostly derived from Helena, and more rarely from Helga.
• Helvi: A Finnish form tracing back to Hedwig or Helvig. The frequently cited translation "holy battle" is an interpretation composed of various Nordic and Germanic roots.
• Henriette: The French diminutive form of Heinrich. The Old High German roots are composed of words for "home" (heim) and "powerful" or "ruler" (rihhi).
• Hermine: The feminine form of Hermann. The Old High German base is composed of "army" (heri) and "man" (man).
• Hilda: A traditional name of Old High German origin. The documented word root (hiltja) means "battle."
• Hildegard: A classic two-syllable name. It combines the Old High German words for "battle" (hiltja) and "protection" or "enclosure" (gard).
• Hira: A name from the Arabic and South Asian linguistic regions. It is widely associated with Mount Hira and is sometimes interpreted as "diamond" in other languages; a blanket, definitive translation falls short here.
• Holly: An English given name that refers directly to the holly plant (English "holly").
• Hope: An English name that derives directly from the vocabulary word meaning "hope."
• Hümeyra: A name with Arabic roots that is common in Turkish. The widespread interpretation is "the one with reddish cheeks," historically tracing back to an epithet.

Silent H and International Pronunciation

In German, the H at the beginning of a name is pronounced with a distinct breath. If you choose international names, you should keep the pronunciation rules of the respective country in mind. In French (such as with Henriette) and in Spanish, the initial H is silent. This considerably changes the sound when combined with your last name.

Another practical consideration is the spelling at the end of a word: In names such as Hanna or Hannah, the ending H is silent. In everyday life, you will likely often have to spell out or clarify which variant you chose. The same applies to names with a silent elongating h in the middle.

How to Choose the Right Name

Did you find names on this list that appeal to you for your daughter? To find out if you share the same taste, you can use the HeyName app. You connect your devices via an invite and rate names independently of each other as "Favorite," "Maybe," or "Not for me." Names marked as favorites by both of you appear as shared matches. That way, you quickly see which girl names starting with H you agree on and can discuss this shortlist together.

Editorial update: September 22, 2026

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