Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every week, we discuss reader’s name questions, usually on Tuesdays and Fridays. We’re relying on thoughtful comments from the community to help expectant parents narrow down their name decisions. Thank you in advance for sharing your insight! To have your question considered, email appmtn (at) gmail. Looking for your own private #namehelp post? Order one here.
H IS THE INITIAL
Rachael writes:
We are having our first baby this May and we’re Team Green.
Right now we agree on two things:
- We will use the middle name Carleton, my mother’s maiden name, regardless of gender. It is pronounced with three syllables: car-el-ton.
- We would like to find an H first name to honor my husband’s late grandfather, Howard. We do NOT want to use Howard, Howie, Howietta, or anything like that.
For a girl, we’re considering Hadley, Heidi, or Haven. My husband likes Hattie, Hallie, and Harper. I think the first two sound incomplete, and while I like Harper, we know one and I think it would be weird for us to use the name, too.
For a boy, we have Heath and Hudson. My husband likes Hunter, but I don’t like the image. But I do like the color hunter green, so maybe I can get over that. I like Hayes, but it runs together with our last name. I want to like Hugo, but I’m not really there.
Our last name starts with a Z and sounds like simmer. I think this isn’t really good with Hunter/Harper, either. Maybe I’m making too many rules?
Are there H names to add to our list? Which H name goes best?
Please read on for my response and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.
FINDING AN H NAME … BUT WHAT ELSE?
Abby replies:
Congratulations on your new baby!
An interesting thing happens when you settle on finding an H name. Your list is automatically shortened by a lot. But at the same time, just deciding on an initial won’t be enough to go from Very Short List to The Name.
Here’s what leaps out at me:
- You both prefer mainstream, contemporary choices, not vintage finds. So yes to Haven, no to Howie.
- You’re okay with popular on paper, but don’t want the name to repeat in real life. This can be challenging, of course, because we can’t control the future – but it’s a good place to start with now.
- The name needs to coordinate with Carleton and rhymes-with-simmer. Ruling out a name because it doesn’t sound good with your last name or a family middle isn’t making too many rules. It’s logical!
Let’s look at your current names, and suggest some more choices.
FINDING AN H NAME FOR A DAUGHTER
Let’s start with that last criteria first. We’re filling in the blank: FirstName Carleton Simmer-with-a-Z. Harper doesn’t flow very well, so if it’s not a favorite, I’d let it go.
That leaves Hadley, Heidi, Haven, Hattie and Hallie. If you’re not on board with Hattie and Hallie, I think they’re off the list. I’d rank the remaining choices as follows:
3. HEIDI
Casual Heidi is actually short for Adelaide. (Via the older form Adelheid or Adelheidis.) But it stands on its own and has plenty of history. It’s either a great compromise between Hallie/Hattie and other choices, or a name that doesn’t quite satisfy.
2. HADLEY
A polished surname name, it goes well with your surname and feels complete.
1. HAVEN
My favorite in terms of sound: Haven Carleton Simmer-with-a-Z. It’s current, familiar, but not terribly popular. And especially because it’s an honor name, I like the subtle virtue vibe of Haven, suggesting shelter and comfort.
To add a few more options starting with H for a girl, would you consider:
HARLOW
Another surname name inspired by Hadley. I really like the O ending with your last name, and I wonder if this would appeal for a daughter in a way that Hugo doesn’t speak to you for a son.
HAZEL
I almost didn’t suggest Hazel, because it feels a little bit vintage. But if you love the color green associations of Hunter, maybe Hazel is worth a look?
HENLEY
An alternative to Hadley, every bit as current but slightly less common.
HOLLY
A former favorite, Holly fits with nature names now. I love this as an alternative to Hallie that feels a little less casual.
FINDING AN H NAME FOR A SON
I think we need to drop Hunter, Hayes, and Hugo for the same reasons we eliminated names on your girls’ list: mismatch with your surname or general not-feeling-it-ness.
Let’s rank your top two favorites:
2. HUDSON
The sound and rhythm are great with your surname. I do think the D in the middle makes Hudson a little heavy with the Carleton – but that’s a minor quibble.
1. HEATH
I love the quiet nature-meet-surname style. It’s immediately familiar, but not too popular. And I think a strong, single-syllable name is perfect with your middle and last names.
And I’ll add a few more boys’ choices starting with H:
HARDY
A name that I’ve always thought should be more popular. While it’s great with your surname, my same hesitations about Hudson apply here.
HAYDEN
If Hayes won’t work, and you love Haven, then Hayden seems like the most natural possibility for a son.
HOLDEN
Another name in the key of Hudson.
HUTTON
Another rare surname pick.
HUXLEY
And one last surname-style choice.
Overall, I like Haven best from your list, and Holly from mine. Finding a name starting with H for a son seems a little more challenging. Hudson and Heath are both solid choices, though I’d put Heath ahead. And I really think Hayden deserves a closer look, too.
Hal
Hector
Hollis
Hosea
Haddie a mix of Heidi and Hattie
Hava
Honora
You have such great options! You really can’t go wrong. But my question is, do you plan on having more kids? And if so, will they have honor names? I’d try to think about what other names appeal to you if you want to have more kids.
Your names fit to me in a few groups, and if one group or style appeals more, I’d pick a name from that category!
Popular/Trendy Surname Names: Hadley, Harper, Hunter, Hayes
(also Harlow, Henley, Hayden, or Huxley)
Vintage and classic: Hallie, Hattie, Hugo, Heath
(also Hazel, Harriet, Henry, Hardy, or Hugh)
Modern classic: Haven, Heidi
(also Holly, Holden, Harrison, or Hannah)
I love Harriet for you, especially since it shortens to Hallie or Hattie! Harriet Carleton (Z)immer is great. But if you prefer more modern names, Hadley and Haven are both great.
For boys, my vote goes to Heath! It’s great and very versatile. Heath Carleton (Z)immer feels classic and classy, a little southern and very sophisticated. Also, I’m sure you’ve considered it, but if not, Henry is fantastic! Harrison is similarly great. Good luck!
Halle or Heath!
I’m totally team Heidi or team Heath. I know adult Heidis and they are both really amazing people. But you don’t hear it much on children, so I think it’s a great choice. And Heath is such a lovely choice, I do like Hudson, but I hear it on kids, whereas I have not met a Heath yet.
Abby’s right that you two are pretty aligned on name style, so that’s fantastic. I hesitate to offer suggestions as your short list is pretty solid. But suggestions are fun so here you go:
Hope
Holliday (Holly is one of my fave names ever but I’m not sure it’s for you, so this more modern surname-name may appeal? Nicknames Holli, Olli, Liddy, Daisy)
Hendrix (I see I’m seconding this – it feels very cool like Heath and Hudson)
Henrik (so similar but do different than Hendrix – an international cool)
Harvest or Hollis for both boy and girl!
Oh I would love to meet a little Holly! Holly Carelton Simmer is great!
For a boy, I agree Hayden deserves a closer look. It’s similar to both Hayes and Haven and sounds nice with your last name too.
Do you like Hendrix? It’s a bit modern like Haven and Hudson but not too far off from a more traditional pick like Henry. Hendrix Carelton Simmer is great! I think the multiple syllables makes it sound smoother with your last name unlike a shorter name like Hayes.
Bit of a wildcard but Houston could work as well. Or Hawthorne called Hawk? Hayes is a name that feels polished and cool all in one and I think Hawthorne (polished) called Hawk (cool) works just as well.
Is Hannah too common? I think it would be a lovely and classic choice for a girl.
And what about Harold nn Hal for a boy?
Best wishes!