What does Hershal mean and where does it come from?
Hershal is derived from the Yiddish name Hersch, which itself comes from the Hebrew root 'חֶשֶׁר' (Hesher), meaning 'deer.' It has roots in Jewish culture and sometimes embodies characteristics of agility and strength. The name has been recorded in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe, and has a pre
Cultural significance
Hershal has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of the grass, or the bramble bush..
Peak popularity
Reached #1443 in 1918 — currently #1076 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Hershal?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Hershal?
Hershal works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hershal Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Hershal Rose
Floral · soft ending
Hershal Mae
Sweet · timeless
Hershal Claire
French influence · crisp
Hershal Jane
Literary · strong
Hershal Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Hershal right now?
Holding steady — currently #1076 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1076 | 1,124 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1081 | 1,104 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1086 | 1,074 | ▲ up 3337 · +15243% births |
| 1975 | #4423 | 7 | ▼ down 1064 |
| 1965 | #3359 | 7 | ▼ down 382 · -22% births |
| 1960 | #2977 | 9 | ▲ up 1101 · +80% births |
| 1955 | #4078 | 5 | ▼ down 1380 · -44% births |
| 1950 | #2698 | 9 | ▼ down 185 |
| 1945 | #2513 | 9 | ▼ down 637 · -40% births |
| 1940 | #1876 | 15 | ▲ up 483 · +36% births |
| 1935 | #2359 | 11 | ▲ up 48 · -8% births |
| 1930 | #2407 | 12 | ▲ up 6 · -8% births |
| 1925 | #2413 | 13 | ▼ down 823 · -46% births |
| 1920 | #1590 | 24 | ▲ up 997 · +140% births |
| 1915 | #2587 | 10 | — |
The story of Hershal
Hershal entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 647 total births recorded, Hershal remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2587 in 1915 to #1076 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Hershal in 1918:
Hershal by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 109 | |
| 1920s ★ | 170 | |
| 1930s | 125 | |
| 1940s | 92 | |
| 1950s | 68 | |
| 1960s | 30 | |
| 1970s | 18 | |
| 1980s | 15 | |
| 1990s | 14 | |
| 2000s | 6 | |
💎Hershal has only 647 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Hershal?
What names sound and feel like Hershal?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hershal also consider these
Common questions about the name Hershal
What does the name Hershal mean?
Hershal means "of the grass, or the bramble bush." — 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 Hershal?
Hershal 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 Hershal?
Hershal 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.
How do you pronounce the name Hershal?
Hershal is a two-syllable name pronounced HH ER0 SH AE1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Hershal a common or rare name?
Hershal is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.