Skip Ancestry main menu Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Learn
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Help
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • Start a New Tree
      • Person Preview
      • Membership
      • Family Trees Support
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Directories & Member Lists
      • Public Member Trees
      • Member Search
      • Card Catalog
      Loading
      • AncestryPreserve
      • StoryScout
      • Stories of US
      Loading
      • Buy a DNA Kit
      • Register a Kit
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA Support
      Loading
      • Ancestry Daily
      • Ancestry Blog
      • Virtual Events
      • What's New
      • Name Meaning
      • Family History Learning Hub
      • DNA Learning Hub
      • DNA Traits Learning Hub
      • Historical Insights
      Loading
      • Support Center
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Center
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Center
      • About Us
      • Ancestry Blog
      • Gift Memberships
      • Site Map
      • Swag Shop
      • Careers
      • © 1997-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Corporate Information
      • Patent
      • Accessibility
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Heather

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Heather Plant

      Variations

      Feather, Weatherly, Beacher
      The name Heather originates from the English language and is derived from the word heather, which refers to a type of flowering plant commonly found in Scotland and England. It is believed that the name Heather gained popularity as a first name during the 19th century in Scotland. The heather plant is highly symbolic in Celtic cultures and represents protection and good luck. As a result, the name Heather became associated with these positive qualities, making it a desirable choice for parents.

      Throughout history, the name Heather has been used in various forms and has gained recognition worldwide. In its early days, it was predominantly used in English-speaking countries, particularly Scotland and England. Over time, however, it has spread to other regions, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The popularity of the name Heather peaked in the 1970s and 1980s in the English-speaking world, when it became a trendy and fashionable choice for baby girls.

      In modern-day usage, the name Heather continues to be well-known and widely used. While its popularity may have declined compared to its peak years, it remains a common choice for parents looking for a classic and nature-inspired name. The name Heather evokes a sense of natural beauty, elegance, and charm. It is often associated with qualities such as gracefulness, kindness, and steadfastness. Despite its long history, the name Heather has managed to remain relevant and continues to endure as a timeless and beloved name choice for many families today.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Heather.

      John

      This is the most common name of those married to a Heather.

      John

      This is the most common name for a child of a Heather.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1975 is when there were the most people born with the first name Heather.

      Explore the origins of another name.