Hershell
Hershell is a boy's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Deer.
Origin and history
Hershell is a variant spelling of Hershel, derived from Yiddish roots meaning deer. It was historically used in the United States throughout the early-to-mid 20th century but has become exceedingly rare in recent decades. The name conveys a distinctive vintage style with deep cultural heritage.
Popularity in the United States
1,847 babies in the United States have been named Hershell since 1880. It ranks #2984 all-time.
States where it is most popular
- KY (32.2 %)
- TN (17.4 %)
- TX (15 %)
- OK (14.1 %)
- AL (12.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 5 |
| 1900-1910 | 28 |
| 1910-1920 | 185 |
| 1920-1930 | 380 |
| 1930-1940 | 365 |
| 1940-1950 | 330 |
| 1950-1960 | 265 |
| 1960-1970 | 142 |
| 1970-1980 | 94 |
| 1980-1990 | 48 |
| 1990-2000 | 5 |
| 2000-2010 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 0 |
| 2020-2029 | 0 |
Famous people named Hershell
- Hershell Gordon Lewis: Filmmaker, Director
Nicknames
Hersh, Hershy
Fun facts
- The name developed as a affectionate Yiddish diminutive of Hirsch, the Germanic word for deer.
- In Jewish tradition, the deer symbol is associated with the biblical tribe of Naphtali, celebrated for swiftness.