"protectress, lady"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Hera
Pronunciation: [ h-IHR-uh ]
Girl Name
#2,783 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
Queen of Olympus — regal, fierce, and unforgettable
Greek
English
American
Strong
Royal
Bold
Elegant
Meaning & Origin
"queen of the gods"
Origin: Greek mythology
Language: Greek
Things to Know About This Name
- In Greek mythology, Hera is associated with jealousy and vengeance toward Zeus's lovers and children
The Story of Hera
Hera is the name of the Greek queen of the gods, wife of Zeus and goddess of women, marriage, and childbirth. The etymology is debated — it may derive from the Greek 'heros' (hero, protector) or from a pre-Greek word. Hera was one of the most powerful and revered deities in the Greek pantheon, ruling over Olympus alongside Zeus and commanding worship throughout the ancient Mediterranean world.
Hera has gained traction in the 2010s-2020s as mythology-inspired names entered the mainstream. The Marvel Cinematic Universe and shows like Hercules brought Greek myth to new generations. Parents seeking powerful, short, elegant names find Hera irresistible.
In Greek religion, Hera was the patron goddess of marriage and the protector of women. The city of Argos was her special domain. Her sanctuary at Olympia predates the Zeus cult. In modern culture, Hera represents queenly authority, though her mythological persona also includes fierce protectiveness and jealousy.
Fun Facts
- Hera's Roman equivalent is Juno, after whom the month June is named
- The Heraion of Samos was one of the largest temples in the ancient Greek world
- Hera appears as a character in Disney's Hercules (1997)
Hera in Other Languages
Greek
Ήρα
Latin
Iuno (equivalent)
French
Héra
Italian
Era
Spanish
Hera
Famous People Named Hera
H
Hera Hilmar
Actor
1988
Icelandic actress known for Mortal Engines and Da Vinci's Demons
H
Hera Björk
Musician
1972
Icelandic-Danish singer who represented Iceland at Eurovision 2010
H
Hera (Greek goddess) Fictional
Other
Queen of the Olympian gods in Greek mythology, goddess of marriage and childbirth
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,783
- Total SSA Count
- 61
- Cultural Origins
- Greek English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Hera Grace
Hera Athena
Hera Rose
Hera Quinn
Hera Elise
Hera Minerva
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hera
What does the name Hera mean?
"protectress, lady" (from Greek). "queen of the gods" (from Greek mythology). Hera is the name of the Greek queen of the gods, wife of Zeus and goddess of women, marriage, and childbirth. The etymology is debated — it may derive from the Greek 'heros' (hero, protector) or from a pre-Greek word. Hera was one of the most powerful and revered deities in the Greek pantheon, ruling over Olympus alongside Zeus and commanding worship throughout the ancient Mediterranean world.
What is the origin of the name Hera?
Hera has Greek, Greek mythology, English, and American origins. In Greek, it means "protectress, lady". In Greek mythology, it means "queen of the gods".
Is Hera a boy or girl name?
Hera is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Hera?
Hera is pronounced h-IHR-uh.
How popular is the name Hera?
Hera is currently ranked #2783 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Hera?
Popular middle name pairings include Hera Grace, Hera Athena, Hera Rose, Hera Quinn, Hera Elise, and Hera Minerva.
What are good sibling names for Hera?
Names that pair well with Hera as siblings include Apollo, Athena, Zeus, Artemis, Perseus, and Iris.
How many syllables does Hera have?
Hera has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Hera a common or rare name?
Hera is an uncommon name, ranked #2783 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Hera
Hera is a girl name with Greek, English, and American origins . The name means "protectress, lady" in Greek .
Hera is currently ranked #2,783 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Hera has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-IHR-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Hera include Hermione . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.