Gershon
Gershon is a boy's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Exile, stranger, or one who drives out.
Origin and history
Gershon is a traditional Hebrew name appearing in the Old Testament as the eldest son of Levi. Etymologically, it is often understood to mean 'exile' or 'a stranger there'. In the United States, it remains a rare and distinctive choice, used primarily within Jewish communities.
Popularity in the United States
977 babies in the United States have been named Gershon since 1880. It ranks #3705 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1727.
States where it is most popular
- NY (65.6 %)
- NJ (34.4 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 19 |
| 1920-1930 | 15 |
| 1930-1940 | 29 |
| 1940-1950 | 5 |
| 1950-1960 | 25 |
| 1960-1970 | 23 |
| 1970-1980 | 65 |
| 1980-1990 | 93 |
| 1990-2000 | 121 |
| 2000-2010 | 159 |
| 2010-2019 | 223 |
| 2020-2029 | 200 |
Famous people named Gershon
- Gershon Legman: Folklorist, Scholar
- Gershon Kingsley: Composer, Musician
Fun facts
- Gershon is named in the Book of Genesis as one of the patriarchal figures whose descendants cared for the Tabernacle.
- The name is closely related to Gershom, another biblical name with a similar Hebrew root meaning traveler or stranger.