What does Herod mean and where does it come from?
Herod is a name of Hebrew origin, traditionally associated with Herod the Great, the king of Judea known for his role in the biblical narrative. The name means 'heroic' in Hebrew. It has become less common as a first name in contemporary times but is recognized in historical and biblical contexts. T
Cultural significance
Herod has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of heroic.
Peak popularity
Reached #3844 in 1924 — currently #1679 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Herod?
Herod works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Herod Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Herod Rose
Floral · soft ending
Herod Mae
Sweet · timeless
Herod Claire
French influence · crisp
Herod Jane
Literary · strong
Herod Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Herod right now?
Holding steady — currently #1679 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1679 | 521 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1684 | 501 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1689 | 471 | ▲ up 3045 · +9320% births |
| 1925 | #4734 | 5 | — |
The story of Herod
Herod entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. With 37 total births recorded, Herod remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4734 in 1925 to #1679 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Herod in 1924:
💎Herod has only 37 total recorded births since 1921 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Herod?
Famous people named Herod
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Herod (historical community leader)
Herod led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Herod?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Herod also consider these
How is Herod written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Herod?
Common questions about the name Herod
What does the name Herod mean?
Herod means "Heroic" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Herod?
Herod 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 Herod?
Herod originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Herod?
Herod is a two-syllable name pronounced HH EH1 R AH0 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Herod a common or rare name?
Herod is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.