Hershel
Hershel: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Hershel
- A male given name from Yiddish.
Etymology
Borrowed from Yiddish הירשעל (hirshel), a diminutive of הירש (hirsh, “deer, buck”).
How popular is Hershel?
Since 1880, 5 girls and 10,329 boys in the U.S. have been named Hershel (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #5144 in 1918. Its highest rank for boys was #391 in 1932. In 2025, 48 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Hershel
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Yiddish boy names
Sibling name ideas for Hershel
Sister and brother names that share Hershel's Yiddish roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Hershel FAQ
What does the name Hershel mean?
A male given name from Yiddish. Borrowed from Yiddish הירשעל (hirshel), a diminutive of הירש (hirsh, “deer, buck”).
What is the origin of the name Hershel?
Hershel is listed as a name of Yiddish origin.
How popular is the name Hershel?
Since 1880, 5 girls and 10,329 boys in the U.S. have been named Hershel (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #5144 in 1918. Its highest rank for boys was #391 in 1932. In 2025, 48 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Hershel a boy or girl name?
Hershel is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 5 girls and 10,329 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.