Holding steady.
Popularity of Herb since 1884
Babies named Herb per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1947, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Herb's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 7 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 12 |
| 1910s | 65 |
| 1920s | 149 |
| 1930s | 394 |
| 1940s | 531 |
| 1950s | 320 |
| 1960s | 377 |
| 1970s | 84 |
| 1980s | 46 |
| 1990s | 17 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Herb is a classic nickname-turned-given name that saw its earliest recorded use in the United States in 1884, which also marks its peak year of usage. Despite its long history, the name has remained rare, never cracking the top 1000 in any subsequent year. Its trajectory has been stable but minimal, reflecting its status as a vintage short form rather than a standalone modern choice. While the Social Security Administration data shows no top states where the name was particularly concentrated, Herb carried a familiar, folksy charm through the early 20th century, especially as a diminutive of the more formal Herbert. Today, it is almost unheard of for newborns, appealing primarily to those seeking an ultratraditional, no-frills name with roots in Old Germanic warrior culture.
Herb is a diminutive of Herbert, which derives from the Old Germanic elements 'heri' meaning 'army' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous'. The name Herbert was introduced to England by the Normans and was common in medieval times, later giving rise to the nickname Herb, which became an independent given name in the 19th century.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Herbie
Sibling names for Herb
Names that share Herb's style, for a brother or sister.
