Herchel

“deer hunter”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1967US 2023

233Births / yr

→Stable

454All-time births

📅 Since 190700

What does Herchel mean and where does it come from?

Herchel is derived from the German name 'Hirsch', which means 'deer', often linked to hunting. It has gained usage in the United States but is not widely common. Notable individuals named Herchel include scientists and local leaders in American communities.

Cultural significance

Herchel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of deer hunter.

Peak popularity

Reached #1529 in 1907 — currently #1967 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Herchel?

Herchel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Herchel Grace

How popular is Herchel right now?

Holding steady — currently #1967 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1967 · Top 1.5%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1950

1955

1960

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1967	233	▲ up 5 · +9% births
2022	#1972	213	▲ up 5 · +16% births
2021	#1977	183	▲ up 1790 · +2950% births
1960	#3767	6	▼ down 712 · -25% births
1955	#3055	8	▲ up 67 · +14% births
1950	#3122	7	▼ down 377 · -12% births
1940	#2745	8	▲ up 1023 · +60% births
1935	#3768	5	▼ down 895 · -44% births
1930	#2873	9	▼ down 614 · -36% births
1925	#2259	14	▲ up 26
1920	#2285	14	▲ up 104 · +27% births
1915	#2389	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Herchel

Best Year2023Rank #1967

Peak Count233

Average Rank#2682

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 202312 years

The story of Herchel

Herchel entered American naming records in 1907 and has been in use for over 117 years. With 454 total births recorded, Herchel remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2389 in 1915 to #1967 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Herchel in 1907:

John William James George Robert

Herchel by decade

Herchel peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1900s	5
1910s	79
1920s ★	116
1930s	94
1940s	76
1950s	41
1960s	24
1970s	6
1980s	8
1990s	5

💎Herchel has only 454 total recorded births since 1907 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Herchel?

Common

HerHeErchel

What names sound and feel like Herchel?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Herchel also consider these

Hershel

Hebrew · deer

Herchell

American · descendant of Herchel

Herrel

American · A variant of

Ershel

American · A beloved name

Veachel

American · Possibly a modern

Hurchel

English · A beloved name

Tercel

American · Latin

Berthel

Germanic · bright, glorious

Common questions about the name Herchel

What does the name Herchel mean?

Herchel means "deer hunter" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Herchel?

Herchel is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Herchel?

Herchel originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Herchel a common or rare name?

Herchel is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Herchel?

Herchel naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.