"messenger of the gods, boundary marker"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Hermes
Pronunciation: [ h-ERM-eez ]
Does Hermes flow with your last name?
Swift-winged, sharp-minded, impossibly clever
Greek
Classical
Mythological
Mythological
Bold
Intellectual
Unconventional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with the ultra-luxury French fashion brand Hermès, which may evoke strong commercial associations
The Story of Hermes
Hermes is the name of one of the twelve Olympians in Greek mythology — the winged messenger god, patron of travelers, commerce, thieves, orators, and guide of souls to the underworld. The name's etymology is debated among scholars, with possible connections to the Greek word 'herma' (a pile of stones used as boundary markers along roads) or to an older pre-Greek word. Using Hermes for a girl is an audacious mythological choice that honors the cleverest of the gods — quick-witted, eloquent, and always in motion.
Hermes is rare as a given name in the English-speaking world, but has gained modern cachet through both its mythology and its association with the ultra-luxury French fashion house Hermès, founded in 1837 and today one of the most coveted brands in the world.
In Greek mythology Hermes was uniquely positioned among the gods — the only Olympian who could freely travel between the worlds of the living, the dead, and the divine. For a girl, this name carries connotations of quicksilver intelligence, exceptional eloquence, and the rare ability to move between different worlds with ease.
Historical Record
Hermes first appeared in US Social Security records in 2019.
Over 5 babies have been named Hermes in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Hermes is a new entry on the US charts , currently ranked #40,868 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Hermes' Roman equivalent Mercury gave his name to the planet closest to the sun — fittingly the fastest-moving in our solar system
- The caduceus (Hermes' winged staff with two serpents) is still used as a symbol of medicine and commerce today
Hermes in Other Languages
Greek
Ερμής
Latin
Mercurius
French
Hermès
Italian
Hermes
Spanish
Hermes
Popularity Over Time
#40,868
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
New Entry
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Hermes with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #40,868
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Classical Mythological
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Hermi
Mesy
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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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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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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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
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 Boy Name
Hermes is also used as a boy name, ranked #3980.
View Hermes as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Greek)
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Latin aperire origin
"opening, unfolding"
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Old French chancelier origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hermes
What does the name Hermes mean?
"messenger of the gods, boundary marker" (from Greek). Hermes is the name of one of the twelve Olympians in Greek mythology — the winged messenger god, patron of travelers, commerce, thieves, orators, and guide of souls to the underworld. The name's etymology is debated among scholars, with possible connections to the Greek word 'herma' (a pile of stones used as boundary markers along roads) or to an older pre-Greek word. Using Hermes for a girl is an audacious mythological choice that honors the cleverest of the gods — quick-witted, eloquent, and always in motion.
What is the origin of the name Hermes?
Hermes has Greek, Classical, and Mythological origins. In Greek, it means "messenger of the gods, boundary marker".
Is Hermes a boy or girl name?
Hermes is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #40868. As a boy name, it is ranked #3980. 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 #40868 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Hermes?
Common nicknames for Hermes include Hermi and Mesy.
What are good middle names for Hermes?
Popular middle name pairings include Hermes Grace, Hermes Athena, Hermes Aurora, Hermes Jade, and Hermes Skye.
What are good sibling names for Hermes?
Names that pair well with Hermes as siblings include Apollo, Athena, Iris, Zephyr, and Phaedra.
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 #40868 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Hermes?
Are there other spellings for Hermes?
Related spellings include Hermione.
About the Name Hermes
Hermes is a girl name with Greek, Classical, and Mythological origins . The name means "messenger of the gods, boundary marker" in Greek .
Is Hermes a boy or girl name? Hermes is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #40,868 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #3,980. Hermes is more commonly used as a boy name.
Hermes is currently ranked #40,868 in popularity for girl 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 Hermi and Mesy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Hermes include Hermione . 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