Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Hershel is a Hebrew name meaning 'deer', evolving from the Yiddish and German forms. It reflects Jewish cultural heritage and has been popular since the 19th century, with a warm and positive image in modern times. There is no biblical relevance associated with the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈhɜrʃəl/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
Hershel is derived from the Yiddish name 'Hersh', which is a diminutive form of 'Hirsch', meaning 'deer' in German. The name has strong associations with Jewish culture.
Meaning
deer
Language Evolution
Hirsch, Hersh, Hershel
Historical Usage
Hershel began to gain popularity among Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe during the 19th century and has remained in use within Jewish communities.
Variants & Derivatives
Hirsch, Hersh, Herschel
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Hershel is viewed positively, often associated with heritage and tradition within Jewish communities. It carries a sense of warmth and familial connection.
Famous People
Hershel Walker, American football player and politician, Hershel Shmoikel Pinchas Yerucham Krustofsky (Hershel the Great), fictional character from The Simpsons
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 226 peak births in 1924
Geographic Spread
Popular across 23 US states, with strongest presence in Arkansas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 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 | 438th of 7545 | 2,957 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 450th of 6773 | 3,073 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 735th of 7552 | 1,884 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1240th of 10718 | 730 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2252nd of 16616 | 464 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3005th of 24088 | 548 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2956th of 23106 | 490 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
30.51% 432nd/1416 |
71.21% 982nd/1379 |
12.64% 299th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
31.82% 492nd/1546 |
75.26% 1171st/1556 |
13.26% 312th/2353 |
66.84% 1034th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
33.27% 741st/2227 |
43.74% 1063rd/2430 |
20.15% 575th/2853 |
41.01% 1138th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
43.31% 1272nd/2937 |
36.58% 1274th/3483 |
32.18% 1132nd/3518 |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
57.42% 2116th/3685 |
29.25% 1309th/4475 |
51.44% 2672nd/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
18.57% 959th/5164 |
65.06% 4758th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
20.06% 900th/4487 |
- | - |
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 Arkansas 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, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male 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 male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 438th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 450th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 735th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1240th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2252nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3005th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2956th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 9107th out of 9107 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.