A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Hermann since 1880
Babies named Hermann per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Hermann's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 26 |
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 12 |
| 1910s | 131 |
| 1920s | 144 |
| 1930s | 93 |
| 1940s | 66 |
| 1950s | 71 |
| 1960s | 59 |
| 1970s | 30 |
| 1980s | 31 |
| 1990s | 21 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 25 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Hermann is a traditional German name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, the same year it reached its peak popularity. Although it currently does not rank within the top 1,000, it has shown a rising trajectory since 2022, suggesting a modest revival after decades of decline. The name is strongly associated with German heritage and the legendary figure Arminius, and it has a classic, sturdy quality that appeals to parents looking for a name with historical weight. While no top states have recorded notable usage in recent years, Hermann's revival is part of a broader trend of vintage names returning to favor.
Hermann derives from the Old High German elements 'heri' meaning army and 'man' meaning man. It has been in use since the early medieval period, borne by several notable figures including Hermann of Reichenau, an 11th-century scholar. The name experienced a revival in the 19th century due to the legendary Germanic chieftain Arminius, often referred to as Hermann by German nationalists.
“Hermann” around the world
Where Hermann 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: Herbie, Manny
Sibling names for Hermann
Names that share Hermann's style, for a brother or sister.
