Heather (given name)
Heather from the Hills, Arran, by Robert Herdman, 1864. | |
| Pronunciation | /ˈhɛðər/ |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female |
| Origin | |
| Word/name | English derived from Middle English, hather |
| Meaning | Named after the plant Heather, which are a variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers which commonly grow in rocky areas |
| Region of origin | Scotland |
| Other names | |
| Related names | Heath (Masculine form) |
Heather is an English primarily feminine given name. The botanical name refers to a variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers which commonly grow in rocky areas. The brush is native to Scotland and England, but it is more commonly found in Scotland due to its rocky territories. The name is derived from Middle English hather. The spelling was altered in the 18th century due to associations with the English word heath, denoting a location where the plant heather often grows.
Heath is often regarded as a masculine form of the name. Heath has also occasionally been used as a girl’s name in the United States.
Heather is also a surname.