Heather

Pronunciation: [ h-EHTH-er ]

Girl Name #1,357 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Scotland's lucky moorland bloom in name form

English Scottish American

Earthy Vintage Gentle Classic

Meaning & Origin

"heather plant (Calluna vulgaris)"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

Associated with the 1988 dark comedy film Heathers, which involves teen violence and darkly satirizes cliques

The Story of Heather

Heather is an English word for the low-growing flowering plant (Calluna vulgaris) that blankets the moorlands of Scotland and northern England in purple bloom. The word comes from the Old English 'haeddre' or possibly a Scots dialect word. As a given name, Heather emerged in the 19th century as part of the Victorian love affair with Scottish nature and the Romantic movement's idealization of wild landscapes.

Heather exploded in popularity in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s, ranking in the top 20 for years — THE name of that generation alongside Jennifer, Stephanie, and Tracy. Its strong association with that era means it's now perceived as a 'mom name' and has declined dramatically.

In Scotland, heather has been the national flower since at least the 18th century and is associated with good luck, admiration, and solitude. Scottish regiments wore heather in their caps. White heather is considered especially lucky.

Fun Facts

Heather was the number 3 most popular girl's name in the US in 1975
In Scottish folklore, finding white heather on a moor brings extraordinary good luck — hence lucky heather sold by street vendors

Heather in Other Languages

Latin Calluna

French Bruyere

German Heidekraut

Spanish Brezo

Famous People Named Heather

Heather Locklear

Actor

1961

American actress known for Dynasty and Melrose Place, one of the defining Heathers of the 1980s-90s

Heather Duke Fictional

Other

Character in the 1988 cult film Heathers, played by Shannen Doherty — the manipulative queen bee who rises when the top ...

Character in the 1988 cult film Heathers, played by Shannen Doherty — the manipulative queen bee who rises when the top Heather falls

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,357
Total SSA Count: 168
Cultural Origins: English Scottish American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Heath

Pairs Well With

Heather Marie Heather Ann Heather Lynn Heather Dawn Heather Nicole Heather Jean

Sibling Names

Amber Kelsey Courtney Todd Brett Lindsey

Also a Boy Name

Heather is also used as a boy name, ranked #29399.

View Heather as a boy name →

Similar Names

America Erika Erica Eris Lyric Lyriq

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Heather

What does the name Heather mean?

"heather plant (Calluna vulgaris)" (from Old English). Heather is an English word for the low-growing flowering plant (Calluna vulgaris) that blankets the moorlands of Scotland and northern England in purple bloom. The word comes from the Old English 'haeddre' or possibly a Scots dialect word. As a given name, Heather emerged in the 19th century as part of the Victorian love affair with Scottish nature and the Romantic movement's idealization of wild landscapes.

What is the origin of the name Heather?

Heather has Old English, English, Scottish, and American origins. In Old English, it means "heather plant (Calluna vulgaris)".

Is Heather a boy or girl name?

Heather is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1357. As a boy name, it is ranked #29399. Heather is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Heather?

Heather is pronounced h-EHTH-er.

How popular is the name Heather?

Heather is currently ranked #1357 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Heather?

Common nicknames for Heather include Heath.

What are good middle names for Heather?

Popular middle name pairings include Heather Marie, Heather Ann, Heather Lynn, Heather Dawn, Heather Nicole, and Heather Jean.

What are good sibling names for Heather?

Names that pair well with Heather as siblings include Amber, Kelsey, Courtney, Todd, Brett, and Lindsey.

How many syllables does Heather have?

Heather has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Heather a common or rare name?

Heather is an uncommon name, ranked #1357 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Heather

Heather is a girl name with English, Scottish, and American origins . The name means "heather plant (Calluna vulgaris)" in Old English .

Is Heather a boy or girl name? Heather is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,357 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #29,399. Heather is more commonly used as a girl name.

Heather is currently ranked #1,357 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Heather has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-EHTH-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Heather include Heath. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.