The origins and history of hero names
When you think of heroes, it’s likely that your mind immediately turns to the likes of Marvel and D.C., but when it comes to the origins of the term, we can look back even further than the twentieth century. The term “hero” originates from the ancient Greek “ἥρως,” which denoted a mortal with unique traits, frequently portrayed as sharing blood with the gods or achieving extraordinary goals that others are unable to. These individuals were known for their courage, strength, and impact on society, and frequently became figures of adoration after their deaths. Famous names include “Hercules” (glory of Hera) and Ajax (strength and pride).
Now, the term “hero” extends far beyond divine lineage or battlefield cred. Modern heroes may be activists fighting injustices, artists encouraging change, or athletes pushing the boundaries of endurance. Whether their names are selected as a nom de guerre, given at birth, or chosen by the public, they should portray bravery, selflessness, and resilience. A hero's name should encapsulate the essence of their actions and the optimism they inspire in others, regardless of the era you're striving for.
So, you want to create hero names?
Naming a hero is no small feat. Heroes are, after all, characters who evoke wonder, adoration, and even terror. Whether they are associated with heroic deeds, legendary abilities, or the legacy they leave behind, their names ought to capture their remarkable qualities.
Here are a few tips for picking the perfect hero name with our hero name generator:
- Evoke strength and valor. Hero names frequently evoke power and influence. Names like "Valeria" or "Maximus" have a certain weight since they imply leaders, fighters, or someone with a lot of drive.
- Tap into mythology. History and mythology are common sources of inspiration for hero names. While more contemporary heroes may adopt names that subtly reference legendary individuals, names like "Achilles" or "Athena" conjure up old tales of heavenly grandeur.
- Remember the hero’s role. A hero's name ought to represent their mission or adventure. For example, a character who is destined to defend a kingdom could be named "Salvador," which means "saviour," or "Gideon," which means "hewer," meaning "one who cuts down enemies."
- Be unique yet consistent. A hero's name should be distinctive, but it should also blend in with their surroundings. If the setting is ancient, stay away from names that seem too contemporary; if the character is particularly earnest, stay away from names that are too eccentric.
If you're crafting a mighty hero for your own story, using our hero name generator might give you a handy headstart.
Looking for more? Check out our Villain name generator or dive into our character naming guides for even more inspiration.
10 Hero names for inspiration
Want to get ideas straight from the source? You're in luck. Here are some of our favorite hero names of all time:
|
Hero names |
Meaning |
Gender |
|
Nova |
New star |
Female |
|
Kamala |
Prosperity, wealth |
Female |
|
Titan |
Strength, intelligence |
Male |
|
Atlas |
Enduring, strong |
Male |
|
Seraphina |
Fiery ones |
Female |
|
Sage |
Wisdom |
Unisex |
|
Blaze |
Fire, determination |
Unisex |
|
Finnley |
Fair hero |
Male |
|
Glory |
Triumph, greatness |
Female |
|
Kara |
loved |
Female |
Looking for more good superhero names?
Feel free to use all of the names that this superhero name generator provides. Be sure to tell us the success story at service@reedsy.com! And if you find that the perfect name is still a quest away, the rest of the Internet’s got you covered. Here are some of our other favorite superhero name generators on the web:
Or if you think that generators are fun and all — but that you’d rather create your own hero name? Great 👍 Head to this post, which is all about naming a character.
