Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Herschell is a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'deer.' It evolved from the name Hersh and became popular in the 19th century, particularly within Jewish communities. The name carries a sense of heritage and is viewed positively in contemporary culture. It is associated with notable figures in entertainment and sports.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈhɜrʃəl/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Herschell is derived from the Hebrew name 'Hersh,' which means 'deer.' It is often associated with the Yiddish language and culture, reflecting a connection to Jewish heritage.
Meaning
deer
Language Evolution
Hersh, Herschell
Historical Usage
The name Herschell gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly among Jewish communities in Europe and later in America, as it was a common practice to name children after family members or to honor cultural heritage.
Variants & Derivatives
Hersh, Hershie, Herschel
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Herschell is less common but is viewed as unique and has a quaint, traditional charm. It carries connotations of heritage and cultural significance.
Famous People
Herschell Gordon Lewis, an American filmmaker known for his work in the horror genre., Herschel Walker, a former professional American football player and politician.
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 33 peak births in 1924
Geographic Spread
Popular across 6 US states, with strongest presence in Indiana
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 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 4 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 | 1453rd of 7545 | 403 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1700th of 6773 | 324 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2475th of 7552 | 207 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4752nd of 10718 | 75 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 9742nd of 16616 | 35 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
56.21% 796th/1416 |
- |
63.91% 1512th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
85.68% 2016th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| 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 Indiana across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy 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, stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1453rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1700th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2475th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4752nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9742nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.