Finding an H Name for a First Baby

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.

Readers, over to you! What would you suggest when it comes to finding an H name for a daughter or a son?