What does Herschel mean and where does it come from?
Herschel (הֶרְשֵׁל) is derived from the Yiddish language, meaning 'deer.' It is a name that has historical significance in Jewish culture, often used among Ashkenazi Jews. The name gained fame through notable individuals, including Herschel of the Herschel telescope, who made significant contributio
Cultural significance
Herschel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Yiddish-speaking countries-speaking communities, where it reflects values of yiddish.
Peak popularity
Reached #283 in 1901 — currently #3399 in the US.
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Related Reading
Yiddish-speaking countries-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Herschel?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
How popular is Herschel right now?
Rising fast — up 1547 spots — currently #3399 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3399 | 34 | ▲ up 1547 · +70% births |
| 2024 | #4946 | 20 | ▼ down 1019 · -29% births |
| 2023 | #3927 | 28 | ▲ up 550 · +22% births |
| 2022 | #4477 | 23 | ▼ down 1335 · -39% births |
| 2021 | #3142 | 38 | ▼ down 137 |
| 2020 | #3005 | 38 | ▲ up 875 · +41% births |
| 2015 | #3880 | 27 | ▲ up 3704 · +170% births |
| 2010 | #7584 | 10 | ▲ up 721 · +25% births |
| 2005 | #8305 | 8 | ▼ down 4237 · -58% births |
| 2000 | #4068 | 19 | ▼ down 1142 · -21% births |
| 1995 | #2926 | 24 | ▼ down 1224 · -49% births |
| 1990 | #1702 | 47 | ▲ up 322 · +68% births |
| 1985 | #2024 | 28 | ▼ down 163 · -7% births |
| 1980 | #1861 | 30 | ▼ down 298 · -9% births |
| 1975 | #1563 | 33 | — |
The story of Herschel
Herschel has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 10,531 babies have received this name. Once ranked #587 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3927 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Herschel in 1901:
Herschel by decade
Herschel peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 150 | |
| 1890s | 262 | |
| 1900s | 359 | |
| 1910s | 1,701 | |
| 1920s ★ | 2,258 | |
| 1930s | 1,476 | |
| 1940s | 1,296 | |
| 1950s | 1,013 | |
| 1960s | 590 | |
| 1970s | 376 | |
| 1980s | 402 | |
| 1990s | 262 | |
| 2000s | 144 | |
| 2010s | 204 | |
| 2020s | 92 | |
What are good nicknames for Herschel?
How is Herschel written in other languages?
הֶערשֶׁעל, הֶרשֶׁל
Yiddish
Common questions about the name Herschel
What does the name Herschel mean?
Herschel means "Yiddish" — a name rooted in Yiddish-speaking countries 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 Herschel?
Herschel is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Herschel?
Herschel originates from Yiddish-speaking countries tradition. Yiddish-speaking countries 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 Herschel?
Herschel is a two-syllable name pronounced HER-shul. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Herschel a common or rare name?
Herschel is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.