A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Hershel since 1880
Babies named Hershel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 47 |
| 1890s | 73 |
| 1900s | 202 |
| 1910s | 1,128 |
| 1920s | 2,032 |
| 1930s | 1,756 |
| 1940s | 1,440 |
| 1950s | 1,006 |
| 1960s | 652 |
| 1970s | 411 |
| 1980s | 306 |
| 1990s | 263 |
| 2000s | 361 |
| 2010s | 386 |
| 2020s | 266 |
Meaning & origin
Hershel saw its highest popularity in 1919, ranking 2,676 in 2025, a notable decline from its peak. However, since 1999, the name has been on a rising trajectory. Historically concentrated in New York, it reflects early 20th-century Jewish American naming patterns. Derived from the German word for "deer," it carries Old World resonance while feeling approachable in English.
Hershel is generally considered a variant of Herschel, a Yiddish name derived from the German word Hirsch, meaning "deer" or "stag." It is a traditional name among Ashkenazi Jewish communities, often given as a symbolic reference to the tribe of Naphtali, which is associated with a swift deer in Jacob's blessing. The name gained some popularity among non-Jewish families in the United States during the early 20th century.
Where Hershel 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hersh, Helly
Sibling names for Hershel
Names that share Hershel's style, for a brother or sister.
