The name Hoss, of American origin, is derived from the German word 'Hos' which means 'horse'. This moniker was popularized by the television series 'Bonanza', where one of the main characters was named Hoss Cartwright. The name has since become associated with strength and masculinity, much like its equine namesake. It is a short form of names such as Hobert or Hosmer, but can also stand alone as a unique given name. In recent years, it has gained some popularity in the United States, ranking among the top 1000 baby boy names according to Social Security data. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to more traditional choices.
"Hoss appears to have experienced an increase in popularity over the past decade, with a notable peak in 2023."