Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Herman is a name of Germanic origin meaning 'warrior' or 'soldier'. It evolved linguistically from Hermannus in Latin to Hermann in Old High German, and finally to Herman in Middle English. It is associated with traits of strength and valor, with no biblical relevance. The name rose to prominence during the Middle Ages and has notable variants. While its modern usage is less frequent, it carries a classic appeal.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈhɜːrmən/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
The name Herman is derived from the Germanic elements 'heri' meaning 'army' and 'man' meaning 'man'. Thus, it can be interpreted as 'warrior' or 'soldier'.
Meaning
warrior, soldier
Language Evolution
Hermanus (Latinized form), Hermann (Old High German), Herman (Middle English)
Historical Usage
The name Herman gained popularity in the Middle Ages, especially in German-speaking regions, and has been borne by several saints and historical figures.
Variants & Derivatives
Hermann, Herm, Hermie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Herman is less common but is often associated with traditional and classic values, sometimes evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Famous People
Herman Melville, an American novelist known for 'Moby-Dick', Hermann Hesse, a German-Swiss poet and novelist, Herman Munster, a fictional character from 'The Munsters' television show
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,239 peak births in 1921
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Louisiana
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 62nd of 7545 | 50,913 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 107th of 6773 | 35,550 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 196th of 7552 | 25,485 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 343rd of 10718 | 8,670 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 600th of 16616 | 4,253 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1340th of 24088 | 1,792 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2176th of 23106 | 780 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2128th of 9107 | 292 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2381st of 9204 | 240 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4373rd of 12526 | 153 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 7326th of 19264 | 90 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
5.08% 72nd/1416 |
5.22% 72nd/1379 |
1.69% 40th/2366 |
9.19% 105th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
8.73% 135th/1546 |
7.33% 114th/1556 |
2.97% 70th/2353 |
10.34% 160th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
10.69% 238th/2227 |
9.42% 229th/2430 |
4.87% 139th/2853 |
9.51% 264th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
13.31% 391st/2937 |
9.82% 342nd/3483 |
7.62% 268th/3518 |
9.92% 401st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
19.40% 715th/3685 |
13.83% 619th/4475 |
10.20% 530th/5194 |
9.21% 582nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
39.52% 1811th/4582 |
23.53% 1215th/5164 |
18.10% 1324th/7313 |
17.16% 1281st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
69.30% 2761st/3984 |
37.31% 1674th/4487 |
31.16% 2126th/6822 |
31.02% 1947th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
100.00% 2366th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
100.00% 2353rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
100.00% 2853rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Louisiana across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 62nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 107th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 196th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 343rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 600th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1340th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2176th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2128th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2381st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4373rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7326th out of 19264 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.