Hershel is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "heresh," which means "deer." It is often associated with wisdom and grace, as deer are known for their speed, agility, and elegance.
The name Hershel has a long history, dating back to ancient times. In the Talmud, Hershel is mentioned as one of the names of King David's father, Jesse. Additionally, Hershel was also the name of a prominent rabbi in the 16th century, known for his scholarly pursuits and teachings.
Throughout history, the name Hershel has been passed down through generations in Jewish families. It has been popular among Ashkenazi Jews, particularly those from Eastern Europe. However, it is not exclusively used within this community and can be found among people of various backgrounds today.
In recent years, Hershel has gained popularity beyond its traditional Jewish roots due to its unique sound and meaning. Parents are drawn to the name because of its biblical origins and its association with intelligence and grace. While it remains a relatively uncommon name, Hershel continues to be a distinctive choice for those looking for a meaningful moniker.
In terms of its spelling and pronunciation, Hershel is typically written as "Herschel" in some parts of Europe, particularly among German Jews. The pronunciation differs slightly between Hebrew and English speakers, with the former often stressing the second syllable ("Her-SHEL") while the latter tends to emphasize the first syllable ("HER-shell").
Overall, Hershel is a name rich in history and meaning, offering parents a unique and significant option for their child's name. Its biblical origins and association with wisdom make it an appealing choice for those looking for a meaningful moniker with a distinctive sound.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe several trends regarding the given name Hershel in the United States.
From 1880 to 1945, there were fluctuations in the number of births with this name each year. The earliest peak occurred between 1902 and 1905, with a high of 23 births in 1905. The next significant increase happened around 1912 to 1918, reaching a peak of 206 births in 1919.
After World War II, the popularity of the name Hershel started to decline. Between 1946 and 1970, there were consistently fewer than 100 births per year with this name. The lowest point was reached in 1955, with only 99 births.
From 1971 onwards, the number of births named Hershel remained relatively low, typically ranging between 20 to 60 births per year. There were a few small peaks during this period, such as in 1983 (36 births), 1997 (37 births), and 2004 (40 births). However, these numbers pale in comparison to the earlier years of the 20th century.
In recent years, the name Hershel has seen a slight resurgence in popularity. Between 2005 and 2023, there were between 30 to 51 births per year with this name, with peaks occurring in 2005 (52 births), 2011 (47 births), 2016 (40 births), and 2023 (51 births).
Overall, while Hershel was once a popular name in the United States, its popularity has significantly waned over time. Despite some fluctuations in recent years, it remains relatively uncommon compared to its peak in the early-to-mid 20th century.