Hal
A boys’ name of Old English origin, meaning home ruler; short form of henry.
Hal by the numbers
In 2025, 3 babies in England and Wales were named Hal. In the US, 16 were, though that figure is from 2017, the most recent full year we hold.
It is used at about the same rate on both sides of the Atlantic.
Its American peak was 597 babies in 1956, so it is a 1950s name that has since fallen a long way.
Spelled almost the same
Other names in the records within a letter or two of Hal. Close spellings are not always related names, but they are usually worth seeing together.
- HanKorean given name; represents virtues such as greatness or wisdom46 in the US (2017)
- Halehealthy and strong; dwelling in a hall16 in the US (2017)
- Haogood, excellent, grand12 in the US (2017)
- Halldweller by the hall or nook7 in the US (2017)
- Hapluck, chance, fortune7 in the US (2017)
- Haisea3 in England and Wales (2025)
Sounds like Hal
Names that are said the same way as Hal, however they are written. Sounding alike does not mean they share a history.
- Hailepower; from Ethiopian royal tradition5 in England and Wales (2025)
Other names that mean home
Like Hal, each of these has home in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Henryruler of the home2,295 in England and Wales (2025)
- Xaviernew house4,468 in the US (2017)
- Grahamgravelly homestead or gray home2,112 in the US (2017)
- Dallasfrom the meadow dwelling or field place1,908 in the US (2017)
- Harryruler of the home; from Henry1,718 in England and Wales (2025)
- Javiernew house1,638 in the US (2017)
Other names that mean a king or ruler
Like Hal, each of these has a king or ruler in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Henryruler of the home2,295 in England and Wales (2025)
- Averyruler of the elves10,365 in the US (2017)
- Ryanlittle king; descendent of rian8,422 in the US (2017)
- Aubreyelf ruler; noble strength6,029 in the US (2017)
- Arthurbear; the legendary king3,211 in England and Wales (2025)
- Reaganlittle king3,211 in the US (2017)