Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Hercules

      Origin 
      Latin

      Meaning 
      Glory of Hera

      Variations 
      Hercule, Heracles, Mercedes

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Hercules originated from Latin and carries the meaning Glory of Hera. In ancient mythology, Hercules was a famed hero known for his extraordinary strength and courage. According to the legends, he was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Alcmene, a mortal woman. However, as the name suggests, Hercules' association with the glory of Hera indicates a complex relationship with the goddess. Hera, Zeus' wife, particularly resented Hercules due to his illegitimate birth and sought to bring him harm throughout his life.

      In history, Hercules is a prominent figure within Greek and Roman mythology. His extraordinary feats, known as the Twelve Labors of Hercules, have inspired countless artistic representations. The name Hercules has also found its way into modern usage, finding mentions in literature, music, film, and popular culture. The association between the name and strength, as well as the heroic image it conjures, continues to resonate with many. From children's cartoons depicting the adventures of Hercules to the use of the name in sports teams or brand names, the legacy of Hercules remains alive in contemporary society as a symbol of power and courage.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Hercules.
      Smith

      is the most common surname for Hercules.

      Elizabeth

      is the most common spouse name for Hercules.

      Hercules

      is the most common child name for Hercules.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1803 is when there were the most people born with the first name Hercules.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.