Names of Honor: Baby Names Inspired by American Heroes

Names of Honor: Baby Names Inspired by American Heroes

Memorial Day is a time of reflection, reverence and gratitude. While it may be best known for backyard barbecues and the unofficial start of summer, its true spirit lies in remembering those who gave everything in service to their country. 

At Name Stories®, we believe that names can carry the weight of legacy, purpose and pride—and what better way to honor those who came before us than through the gift of a name?

This Memorial Day, we’re spotlighting 13 names inspired by real-life American heroes. Why 13, you ask? This is not an arbitrary number. There are 13 folds in the traditional flag-folding ceremony at a military funeral, each with symbolic meaning (including life, honor, sacrifice and eternity).

Whether they wore a uniform, carried a cause, or lifted a nation with their courage, these heroes and their names offer timeless strength, deep meaning and a powerful story to pass on.

Audie - "Protector of Prosperity" (Irish-Gaelic)

Audie Murphy was one of the most decorated American soldiers of all time—and one of the youngest. At just 19, he earned the Medal of Honor for an almost mythic act of bravery: singlehandedly holding off an entire company of German soldiers to protect his unit during World War II. He went on to receive more than 30 U.S. and foreign military honors and later became a Hollywood actor and advocate for veterans. The name Audie, meaning “protector of prosperity,” carries a quiet but enduring strength. It's short, sharp, and unassuming—much like the man himself, whose courage spoke louder than any title ever could.

Clara - "Bright & Shining" (Latin)

Clara Barton was a pioneering nurse, teacher and humanitarian who earned the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield” for her tireless efforts tending to wounded soldiers during the Civil War. She later founded the American Red Cross, laying the foundation for a legacy of emergency response and compassionate care that continues to this day. The name Clara, from the Latin word clarus, means “bright” or “clear”—a fitting reflection of the light she brought to the darkest corners of war. Graceful yet strong, Clara is a name that shines with calm resolve, clarity of purpose and an unwavering heart.

Colin - "Young Cub" (Scots-Gaelic)

Colin Powell was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. He served two combat tours in Vietnam, rose to become a four-star general, and eventually held the highest military position in the country as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Later, he made history again as the first Black U.S. Secretary of State. Admired for his steady leadership, diplomatic skill and moral clarity, Powell embodied a life of service guided by principle. His name, Colin, means “young cub,” evoking images of quiet strength and emerging power. It’s approachable yet dignified, rooted in humility with the heart of a leader. Fun fact: Colin is also considered a Medieval English diminutive of Col, which was used as an informal form of Nicolas, from Greek meaning “People of Victory”—an apt echo of his legacy.

Deborah - "Queen Bee" (Hebrew)

Deborah Sampson was a Revolutionary War hero in disguise—literally. She bound her chest, donned men’s clothing, and enlisted under the name Robert Shurtliff. She fought bravely for over a year in the Continental Army, sustaining injuries and even performing surgery on herself to avoid detection. When her true identity was finally discovered, she was honorably discharged and later recognized by Congress for her service. The name Deborah means “bee” in Hebrew—fitting for someone who was industrious, bold and more than willing to sting when duty called. Her story is a powerful reminder that some of the greatest warriors rewrite the rules.

Douglas - "Dark Waters" (Scots-Gaelic)

General Douglas MacArthur was one of the most iconic (and sometimes controversial) military leaders in American history. A five-star general and Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the Pacific during WWII, he later oversaw the U.S. occupation of Japan and led UN forces in Korea. Douglas means "Dark Waters" and comes from a Scottish surname - a clan known to be "great, turbulent and daring." Hm, sounds familiar. We also like the meaning of Mac ("son of greatness") and Arthur ("Strong as a Bear"). By the way, we couldn't make this stuff up if we tried.

George - "Earth-Worker" (Greek)

Inspired by General George S. Patton, the bold and controversial World War II commander known for his unflinching leadership. The name Patton is strong, striking, and full of grit. It's actually from an English surname that was derived from a diminutive of Patrick meaning "noble and dignified." George is from an Ancient Greek name meaning, essentially, "farmer," but what's really cool is that the name's endurance is largely owed to St. George, a 4th century Roman military man (who was invoked for the protection of soldiers during the Middle Ages).

Hamilton - "Through!!!" (Olde English/Germanic)

Alexander Hamilton wasn’t just a Founding Father and Revolutionary War officer—he was also an architect of American ideals. This name has seen a resurgence thanks to Broadway, but its roots are deeply patriotic. Hamilton comes from a medieval Anglo-Norman-Scottish surname derived from a (now no longer) place name in England which meant "crooked hill." The clan motto is "Through!" (you'll have to read the Name Stories® for that backstory). Not to mention that his first name (Alexander) means "Defender of Mankind" - now that's what we call a twofer.

Harriet - "Ruler of the Home" (Old High German/Germanic)

Harriet Tubman wasn’t just a conductor on the Underground Railroad; she was also a Civil War scout, spy and nurse for the Union Army. Her name represents fierce courage, justice and a spirit that refused to back down. Harriet is a female form of Henry, which means "Ruler of the Home"—a fitting title for a woman who created a path to freedom that became a sanctuary for countless others.

Loretta - "Emblem of Victory" (Old Roman/Latin)

A vintage gem with a heroic namesake: Loretta Perfectus Walsh, the first woman to enlist in the U.S. Navy in 1917. Her name is a tribute to trailblazers, with a melodic sound and feminist punch. Loretta is an English (and Italian) diminutive of Laura, itself a feminization of the Late Roman Laurus, from Latin laurus “laurel,” a symbol of wisdom, honor and accomplishment (in ancient Rome, crowns were fashioned from its leaves and given to those achieving great victories). In 2021, one of the USS Constitution's 24-pound long guns was named Perfectus in honor of Walsh's service. With a middle name like Perfectus, destiny really didn’t give her much room to slack off.

Marshall - "Commanding Officer" (Old French/Germanic)

Thurgood Marshall was a civil rights lawyer and first Black Supreme Court Justice who also served during WWII. The name Thurgood blends gravitas with legacy and is a bold, justice-minded pick - Fun fact: Marshall was originally named "Thoroughgood" (his paternal grandfather's "virtue name" which speaks for itself), but he changed it to the briefer "Thurgood" when he was in the second grade. Marshall comes from a medieval English surname derived from an occupation for one who was "high officer of the royal court," which was repurposed from Old French mareschal meaning "commanding officer of an army." 

Quentin - "Fifth" (Old Roman/Latin)

Quentin Roosevelt was the brash and brave youngest son of President Theodore Roosevelt, who served as a fighter pilot in WWI and was killed in action in 1918. His death deeply moved the American public, and his name soared in popularity as a tribute to valor, youthful courage and patriotic devotion (1919 remains the name's most popular year ever). Quentin comes from the Latin Quintus, meaning “fifth”—he was the fifth born child of the President and his second wife Edith. Today, Quentin carries a vintage charm with echoes of noble sacrifice.

And a shout out to a couple more names....

Miles - "Soldier" (Latin)

Though it may sound polished and modern, Miles (and Milo) traces back more than 2000 years to the Latin miles, meaning “soldier,” making it an ideal fit for a Memorial Day theme. It’s a name with quiet strength—unassuming, yet deeply rooted in valor. A perfect choice for parents who want to honor military heritage with a touch of timeless style.

Herman - "Army Man" (Germanic)

From the Old German Hariman, meaning “army man” or “warrior,” Herman is a name of steadfast strength and solidarity. Though vintage in style, it once symbolized loyalty, bravery and protection—virtues that never go out of fashion. A grounded choice for parents seeking an old-soul name with deep military roots.

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Names inspired by American heroes aren’t just about patriotism—they’re about values. Courage. Justice. Leadership. Compassion. Choosing a name tied to a historical figure offers children a legacy they can grow into, and a story they can carry with pride.

As you gather with loved ones this Memorial Day, take a moment to remember the names that shaped our history—and consider how your child’s name might one day do the same.

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The Author of this blog and Name Stories® Founder & Chief Storyteller, Julie Hackett, on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France

Julie Hackett on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France

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