Heather
Heather is a girl name of English origin meaning “Heather plant”, pronounced HETH-er. It ranked #1264 in the United States in 2025, given to 177 babies, and peaked at #3 in 1975. Common nicknames: Heath, Hetty.
How popular is Heather in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Heather mean, and where does it come from?
Heather is the flowering shrub that covers Scottish moorland, and one of the botanical names the Victorians took up alongside Ivy, Violet and Daisy. In America it went much further than any of them: it reached third place for girls in 1975 and stayed in the top ten for most of that decade, which makes it a precise marker of when someone was born. It fell just as fast. Now, as the first Heathers reach grandmotherhood, the name has begun to tick upward again — the usual hundred-year cycle running slightly ahead of schedule.
How is Heather used around the world?
Heather is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Heather?
Famous People Named Heather
- Heather Graham — American actress
- Heather Locklear — American actress
- Heather Headley — Trinidadian-American singer and Tony Award-winning actress
Similar Names to Heather
If you like Heather, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Heather
Looking for names that pair well with Heather? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Heather mean?
Heather is a girl name of English origin meaning "Heather plant." Heather is the flowering shrub that covers Scottish moorland, and one of the botanical names the Victorians took up alongside Ivy, Violet and Daisy. In America it went much further than any of them: it reached third place for girls in 1975 and stayed in the top ten for most of that decade, which makes it a precise marker of when someone was born.
How do you pronounce Heather?
Heather is pronounced HETH-er. Common variations include Heathyr, Hedda, Erica.
Is Heather a girl name?
Yes, Heather is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Heath, Hetty.