"messenger of the gods"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Hermes
Pronunciation: [ h-ERM-eez ]
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The swift messenger god of ancient Greece
Greek
Roman
European
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Literary
Classic
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"stone marker, boundary"
Origin: Pre-Greek
Language: Ancient Greek
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with the luxury French fashion brand Hermès — a positive association for most but may attract attention
The Story of Hermes
Hermes is the name of the ancient Greek god of messengers, travelers, merchants, and thieves — one of the twelve Olympians. His name's etymology is uncertain, possibly derived from 'herma' (stone marker at crossroads) or pre-Greek roots. He served as the divine messenger connecting gods and mortals, guiding souls to the underworld, and presiding over boundaries and transitions.
Hermes has seen renewed interest as mythological names have come back into fashion, alongside Apollo, Atlas, and Orion. The French luxury brand Hermès has also kept the name in public consciousness without diminishing its classical appeal.
In ancient Greece, Hermes was venerated at crossroads, boundaries, and borders. Roman counterpart Mercury gives his name to the planet and the element mercury. Hermes Trismegistus (thrice-great Hermes) is a legendary figure combining the Greek god with the Egyptian god Thoth.
Historical Record
Hermes first appeared in US Social Security records in 1955.
Over 654 babies have been named Hermes in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Hermes is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #3,980 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Hermes is one of the few Greek gods depicted as a child or young man rather than an adult
- The caduceus (Hermes's staff) is still used as a symbol of medicine today
Hermes in Other Languages
French
Hermès
Italian
Ermes
Spanish
Hermes
Latin/Roman
Mercurius
Popularity Over Time
#3,980
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Hermes
H
Hermes Trismegistus
Religious
Legendary Hellenistic figure combining Greek Hermes and Egyptian Thoth, associated with Hermetic philosophy
H
Hermes Conrad Fictional
Other
Character in the animated TV series Futurama, a bureaucrat from Jamaica
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,980
- Total SSA Count
- 28
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Roman European
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Hermy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Greek heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, bold style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Hermes
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Hermes is also used as a girl name, ranked #40868.
View Hermes as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hermes
What does the name Hermes mean?
"messenger of the gods" (from Greek). "stone marker, boundary" (from Pre-Greek). Hermes is the name of the ancient Greek god of messengers, travelers, merchants, and thieves — one of the twelve Olympians. His name's etymology is uncertain, possibly derived from 'herma' (stone marker at crossroads) or pre-Greek roots. He served as the divine messenger connecting gods and mortals, guiding souls to the underworld, and presiding over boundaries and transitions.
What is the origin of the name Hermes?
Hermes has Greek, Pre-Greek, Roman, and European origins. In Greek, it means "messenger of the gods". In Pre-Greek, it means "stone marker, boundary".
Is Hermes a boy or girl name?
Hermes is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3980. As a girl name, it is ranked #40868. Hermes is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Hermes?
Hermes is pronounced h-ERM-eez.
How popular is the name Hermes?
Hermes is currently ranked #3980 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Hermes?
Common nicknames for Hermes include Hermy.
What are good middle names for Hermes?
Popular middle name pairings include Hermes Apollo, Hermes Orion, Hermes Leo, Hermes Magnus, and Hermes Felix.
What are good sibling names for Hermes?
Names that pair well with Hermes as siblings include Apollo, Athena, Artemis, Daphne, Orion, and Clio.
How many syllables does Hermes have?
Hermes has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Hermes a common or rare name?
Hermes is an uncommon name, ranked #3980 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Hermes?
Are there other spellings for Hermes?
Related spellings include Herman.
About the Name Hermes
Hermes is a boy name with Greek, Roman, and European origins . The name means "messenger of the gods" in Greek .
Is Hermes a boy or girl name? Hermes is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,980 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #40,868. Hermes is more commonly used as a boy name.
Hermes is currently ranked #3,980 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Hermes has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-ERM-eez, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Hermes include Hermy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Hermes include Herman . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis