No one's name was literally "Hello." The question is based on a misunderstanding of the word's origin and usage. "Hello" is a common greeting, not a person's name.
The Origin of "Hello"
The word "hello" wasn't named after a person. While various sources offer conflicting information (some incorrectly claiming it was related to Alexander Graham Bell or his wife/girlfriend), the most widely accepted origin points to its evolution from the interjection "hollo" or "holla." Thomas Edison is often credited with popularizing its use as a telephone greeting. Initially, Alexander Graham Bell preferred "ahoy," but "hello" ultimately prevailed.
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Thomas Edison's Role: Multiple sources suggest Edison's influence in popularizing "hello" as a telephone greeting. He advocated for its use, while Bell initially preferred "ahoy."
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Evolution from "hollo/holla": The word's origins lie in earlier forms like "hollo," possibly derived from the French "holà." This connection demonstrates its gradual development into a standard greeting.
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Misconceptions: Several sources mistakenly link "hello" to Alexander Graham Bell or his family, creating confusion about its true origin.
Therefore, the question needs clarification. Perhaps it should be rephrased as: "Who popularized the use of 'hello' as a telephone greeting?". The answer to that revised question would be Thomas Edison.
