"one who hunts"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Hunter
Pronunciation: [ h-UHNT-er ]
Girl Name
#878 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
Bold and untamed, a nature name for fearless girls
American
English
Australian
Canadian
Strong
Bold
Modern
Earthy
Meaning & Origin
"hunter, game keeper"
Origin: Middle English occupational
Language: English
The Story of Hunter
Hunter derives from the Old English hunta, meaning one who hunts. Originally an occupational surname for those who hunted game, it transitioned to a first name in the 20th century. While historically masculine, Hunter has been increasingly used for girls since the 1990s as gender-neutral occupational names gained popularity alongside Ashley, Kelly, and Morgan.
Hunter for girls gained momentum in the late 1990s through the 2000s, as parents sought strong, nature-connected names for daughters. The trend was part of a broader shift toward using traditionally male names for girls.
Hunter represents the adventurous, outdoor spirit that resonates deeply in American culture, evoking images of the frontier and self-reliance. For girls, the name signals strength and a joyful departure from frilly conventions, qualities increasingly valued by contemporary parents.
Fun Facts
- Hunter is significantly more common for boys in the US overall, but the girl version has maintained a dedicated following since the 1990s
- Hunter peaked for girls in the US around 1998-2004, coinciding with peak popularity of gender-neutral names
Hunter in Other Languages
French
Hunter
German
Hunter
Italian
Hunter
Spanish
Hunter
Portuguese
Hunter
Famous People Named Hunter
H
Hunter Schafer
Actor
1999
American actress and model known for Euphoria and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
H
Hunter Tylo
Actor
1962
American actress known for her long-running role in the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #878
- Total SSA Count
- 306
- Cultural Origins
- American English Australian Canadian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Hunt
Pairs Well With
Hunter Grace
Hunter Mae
Hunter Leigh
Hunter Rose
Hunter Jane
Hunter Nicole
Hunter Skye
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Hunter is also used as a boy name, ranked #128.
View Hunter as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hunter
What does the name Hunter mean?
"one who hunts" (from Old English). "hunter, game keeper" (from Middle English occupational). Hunter derives from the Old English hunta, meaning one who hunts. Originally an occupational surname for those who hunted game, it transitioned to a first name in the 20th century. While historically masculine, Hunter has been increasingly used for girls since the 1990s as gender-neutral occupational names gained popularity alongside Ashley, Kelly, and Morgan.
What is the origin of the name Hunter?
Hunter has Old English, Middle English occupational, American, English, Australian, and Canadian origins. In Old English, it means "one who hunts". In Middle English occupational, it means "hunter, game keeper".
Is Hunter a boy or girl name?
Hunter is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #878. As a boy name, it is ranked #128. Hunter is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Hunter?
Hunter is pronounced h-UHNT-er.
How popular is the name Hunter?
Hunter is currently ranked #878 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Hunter?
Common nicknames for Hunter include Hunt.
What are good middle names for Hunter?
Popular middle name pairings include Hunter Grace, Hunter Mae, Hunter Leigh, Hunter Rose, Hunter Jane, Hunter Nicole, and Hunter Skye.
What are good sibling names for Hunter?
Names that pair well with Hunter as siblings include Riley, Parker, Blake, Logan, Harper, and Sawyer.
How many syllables does Hunter have?
Hunter has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Hunter a common or rare name?
Hunter is moderately common, ranked #878 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Hunter
Hunter is a girl name with American, English, Australian, and Canadian origins . The name means "one who hunts" in Old English .
Is Hunter a boy or girl name? Hunter is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #878 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #128. Hunter is more commonly used as a boy name.
Hunter is currently ranked #878 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Hunter has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-UHNT-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Hunter include Hunt. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Hunter include Huntley, Huntleigh, Huntlee . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.