Herman
Herman is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Army man or warrior.
Origin and history
Herman is derived from the Germanic elements meaning army and man. It was brought to England by the Normans and became a popular traditional choice in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is used infrequently for American newborns, carrying a classic vintage charm.
Popularity in the United States
135,977 babies in the United States have been named Herman since 1880. It ranks #248 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1606.
States where it is most popular
- NY (7.7 %)
- TX (7.4 %)
- NC (5.2 %)
- PA (5.1 %)
- LA (5.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 3,689 |
| 1890-1900 | 4,232 |
| 1900-1910 | 5,064 |
| 1910-1920 | 22,598 |
| 1920-1930 | 29,011 |
| 1930-1940 | 20,319 |
| 1940-1950 | 16,856 |
| 1950-1960 | 13,832 |
| 1960-1970 | 8,360 |
| 1970-1980 | 4,761 |
| 1980-1990 | 3,124 |
| 1990-2000 | 1,957 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,103 |
| 2010-2019 | 750 |
| 2020-2029 | 321 |
Famous people named Herman
- Herman Melville: Author, Novelist
- Herman Cain: Businessman, Politician
Nicknames
Herm, Hermie
Fun facts
- The name was introduced to Britain by the Normans, replacing earlier Old English cognates.
- Herman Melville, author of Moby-Dick, is one of the most famous American literary figures bearing the name.