All about the name

Honour

Female

« Honour is an English given name derived from 'honor', itself originating from Latin 'honos', meaning 'esteem' or 'respect'. Historically associated with both men and women, it signifies integrity and dignity. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Honour is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the word 'honor', which has its roots in the Latin word 'honos', meaning 'esteem' or 'respect'. The name Honour is often associated with the qualities of integrity, dignity, and nobility. The use of Honour as a given name can be traced back to medieval times in England. During this period, it was used as a female name, although today it is more commonly seen as a male name. In fact, Honour is one of the few names that has been traditionally associated with both men and women throughout history. One of the most notable historical figures with the name Honour was Lady Honour Lisle, who lived during the 15th century in England. She was the wife of John de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk. Lady Honour was known for her intelligence, beauty, and diplomatic skills, which earned her a place at the court of King Edward IV. In literature, Honour has been used as a character name in various works. In Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice", one of the characters is named Salanio, who has the nickname 'Honor'. Additionally, there was a novel written by Elizabeth Gaskell titled "Cousin Philomena", which features a character named Honour. Today, Honour remains a rare but unique given name choice. It is often used as an alternative to more traditional names like Honor or Honey. Despite its rarity, the name Honour carries a strong and meaningful presence that sets it apart from other names. Its historic roots and association with dignity and respect make it a timeless and powerful choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Honour since 1880

Total births
243
Total since 1880
Peak year
2016
22 births
in 2023
15
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+25%
vs previous 5 years