Hunter
Meaning of Hunter
Hunter began life as a rugged Anglo-Scottish surname meaning exactly what it says on the tin—“one who hunts”—and it still carries the scent of pine needles and fresh air wherever it goes. Over time the word leapt from the back of a flannel shirt onto the birth certificate, turning into a given name that suggests focus, resourcefulness, and a dash of frontier swagger. In the U.S. it has tracked an impressive trail, vaulting from rarity in the 1970s to a Top-50 staple in the 2000s, proof that parents love its blend of outdoorsy charm and modern polish. Pop culture has helped, too: think Hunter S. Thompson’s rebellious wit or TV heroes who charge head-first into adventure. Yet despite its bold vibe, Hunter sounds friendly rather than fierce—a name that shakes your hand before it heads for the horizon. If you’re looking for something masculine, familiar, and endlessly energetic, Hunter hits the bull’s-eye.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as HUN-tər (/ˈhʌntər/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
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Notable People Named Hunter
| Hunter Stockton Thompson was an American journalist and author who helped pioneer New Journalism and create Gonzo journalism, gaining fame with his immersive Hells Angels book and his Kentucky Derby essay. |
| Hunter Easton Hayes is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who performs across genres and plays more than 30 instruments. |
| Hunter Holmes McGuire was an American surgeon and educator who served in the Confederate Army under Stonewall Jackson, helped found institutions that became part of Virginia Commonwealth University, later led the American Medical Association, and is commemorated by a Virginia State Capitol statue and a VA hospital that bore his name until 2023. |
| Hunter Parrish Tharp is an American actor and singer best known for playing Silas Botwin in the Showtime series Weeds and for his Broadway roles as Jesus in Godspell and Melchior in Spring Awakening. |
| L. Hunter Lovins is an American environmentalist and author who co-founded Rocky Mountain Institute and leads Natural Capitalism Solutions, championing sustainable development. |
