My first name is Hero. My dad gave me the name in 1970 when I was born. I love my name now but I still get weird questions about it: Isn't that a sandwich? Boy, your parents must have had big dreams for you! (Sure, but the name is from the Greek form of it so it doesn't mean the same as English Hero). Or people start singing: Heroes, give me a Hero. Isn't there a Japanese name like that? (Yes, but it's spelled Hiro). So if you're going to name your daughter Hero, be prepared. On the bright side, I get more noticed. When I have school applications, or job interviews they take notice. Educated people will mention Much Ado but if they are really keen, they mention the Greek fable of Hero and Leander which is where Lord Byron and Shakespeare borrowed the name. (PS - Hero and Leander is a tragic love story... read up).
I only like it as a feminine name, it seems a bit borrowed on a boy. I prefer Heron for a boy.
― Anonymous User 10/30/2017
1
I know it has more history than the word 'Hero,' but this still sounds weird because of it. It may have been great once upon a time, but now, just no.
― Anonymous User 12/21/2015
-2
Really love this name, it is so unique, beautiful, and strange. Especially love that it's one of the main characters' names in "Much Ado About Nothing", which I adore.
This name is a guilty pleasure of mine. I love the meaning and the fact that it has a long history as a girl's name (even though I don't care much for either Shakespeare's or Leander's Hero). It also reminds me of a quote from Nora Ephron: "Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim." I'm not sure I would dare to use it as a first name but perhaps a middle name.
I LOVE this name for a girl. True, I would be reluctant to name my daughter Hero because I'd fear she'd be mocked because of it; but I really find it to be romantic, charming, and beautiful.
True, Shakespeare's Hero may have been a "milksap", but I have loved this name since I saw Kate Beckinsale portray her in the wonderful 1993 film adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing.
― Anonymous User 7/16/2009
3
I would like this name on a girl instead of a boy.
An ambitious name but could work. I do dislike the Shakespearean reference. His Hero was a total milksap. The Greek Hero and Leander myth surpasses Shakespeare's character. It's used and has been used more than you'd think in the UK. I don't think a Hero would get any more stick for her name than skanky Nevaeh, Failyn or Coco-Poppy.Something I heard on a forum. A little girl called Hero in the US was complaining that kids were teasing her about her name. It wasn't Hero they were poking fun at, it was her surname McDonald - Old McDonald had a farm etc. Now that's hilarious.
― Anonymous User 10/29/2008
5
I have kitten named Hero and I do like this name because of its meaning. I'll probably use it for a middle name than a first name. And it's ok for a boy, but great for a girl.