Declining since 1985, #2,363 for boys today.
Popularity of Herman since 1880
Babies named Herman per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Herman's real moment was 1893.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 3,689 |
| 1890s | 4,232 |
| 1900s | 5,064 |
| 1910s | 22,598 |
| 1920s | 29,011 |
| 1930s | 20,319 |
| 1940s | 16,856 |
| 1950s | 13,832 |
| 1960s | 8,360 |
| 1970s | 4,761 |
| 1980s | 3,124 |
| 1990s | 1,957 |
| 2000s | 1,103 |
| 2010s | 750 |
| 2020s | 321 |
Meaning & origin
Herman is a name of German origin meaning 'army man' or 'warrior', derived from the Germanic elements 'heri' and 'man'. It peaked in popularity in 1893, ranking among the top names of the late 19th century. However, the name has been on a declining trajectory, with a notable drop since 1985. In 2025, it ranked 2,363 with a frequency of 1 in 29,450. The states with the most Hermanns are New York, California, and Florida, reflecting a scattered but enduring presence. While not as common today, Herman retains a solid, traditional appeal.
Herman derives from the Germanic elements 'heri' meaning 'army' and 'man' meaning 'man', thus 'army man' or 'warrior'. It was introduced to England by the Normans and was common in medieval times. The name saw a surge in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since declined.
Where Herman is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Herman” around the world
Where Herman lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Herm, Manny
Sibling names for Herman
Names that share Herman's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Edith, Martha, Bertha, Florence, Lillian, Gertrude, Melba, Velma, Wilma, Belva, Delma, Freida, Hermina, Idella, Lelia, Vernie, Wilda, Willetta, Zelma, Albertina, Arvella, Atha, Beaulah, Buelah, Corena, Creola, Elfrieda, Elvera, Gertha, Herlinda, Laveta, Reatha, Vilma, Aloma, Belma, Berdena, Beula, Blonnie, Claretha, Clella, Cloteal, Elmyra, Fredna, Girtha, Herma, Izola, Laverta, Leetta, Levonia, Luevenia, Mayola, Mertice, Oneda, Relda, Velna, Velta, Verma, Wauneta, Wylma, Altamese, Alzada, Anola, Berdella, Berdina, Berline, Berma, Captola, Fayetta, Frona, Genella, Gertude, Gilma, Gurtha, Hermie, Iretha, Lavaun, Laverda, Melvena, Melvenia, Norberta, Rilda, Talma, Vinia, Waldine, Wilhemenia, Albirda, Alveta, Arneda, Berdia, Birdena, Clista, Deltha, Earma, Eldene, Elzena, Ermel, Felma, Guelda, Helma, Laberta, Leveda, Leveta, Onetta, Oreatha, Otillia, Phala, Valta, Verneice, Vineta, Walta, Welda, Welma, Wilna, Zelta
Brothers: Otto, Walter, Albert, Frederick, Edwin, Arnold, Elmer, Roscoe, Adolph, Chauncey, Ervin, Irving, Kermit, Lavern, Norris, Olen, Therman, Waldo, Adelbert, Arland, Arnett, Artis, Cleophus, Delmas, Dolphus, Furman, Gerold, Manley, Melville, Minor, Prentice, Virgle, Bernhardt, Buren, Conard, Doss, Erman, Irven, Jiles, Leman, Lindbergh, Murrel, Olden, Pervis, Raiford, Thurmon, Tolbert, Virgel, Waldon, Alben, Artice, Burdell, Cleatis, Comer, Elester, Ferman, Fermon, Firman, Hurman, Irvan, Loman, Maston, Odies, Shermon, Talton, Thermon, Thurmond, Varnell, Walfred, Isador, Alphus, Arvle, Aulton, Belton, Correll, Flemon, Gurnie, Hasten, Holbert, Olis, Willman, Wilmon
