Herb is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. The name Herb is derived from the Latin word "herba," which means "plant" or "herb." It was originally used as a surname, but it has since been adopted as a given name.
The name Herb gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. In fact, its peak usage as a given name occurred between 1930 and 1960. Although it is not as common today as it once was, Herb remains a recognizable and timeless name choice for parents looking for something a bit different.
Herb has been worn by several notable individuals throughout history. For example, Herb Caen was a well-known American newspaper columnist who worked for the San Francisco Chronicle for over fifty years. Additionally, Herb Elliott is an Australian athlete who won gold medals in the 1500 meters and mile races at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
In literature, Herb appears as a character's name in works such as "Herbert West—Reanimator," a horror short story by H.P. Lovecraft, and "The Herbology of Unusual Bottles," a poem by American poet Thomas Lux.
Overall, Herb is an interesting and uncommon given name with a botanical origin that carries a certain vintage charm. Its historical usage and notable bearers make it a name worth considering for parents looking to give their child a distinctive moniker.
The name Herb has a rich history of usage in the United States, with a notable pattern that reflects changing trends over time.
From 1884 to 1977, there were consistent fluctuations in the number of newborns named Herb each year. The earliest recorded birth was in 1884, with seven babies given the name. This figure remained relatively stable until the early 1900s when it began to increase.
Between 1926 and 1937, there was a significant rise in popularity for the name Herb, with a peak of 55 births in 1939. This period saw a consistent increase from 18 births in 1926 to a high of 46 births in 1940. However, this trend did not continue into the post-war era, as the number of Herb births began to decline sharply after 1947.
The late 1950s and early 1960s marked another period of increased usage for the name Herb, with a peak of 66 births in 1960. Nevertheless, this trend was short-lived, as the number of newborns named Herb began to decrease once again, reaching its lowest point since the late 1800s with only seven births recorded in 1975.
Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Herb has remained a staple in American culture. From 2008 to present day, there have been consistent birth records for the name Herb across various states in the U.S., indicating that it continues to be chosen by parents as a meaningful and unique option for their children.
Overall, the statistical trends for the name Herb reflect shifting cultural tastes and preferences over time. While its popularity has ebbed and flowed throughout history, the enduring appeal of the name is evident in its ongoing usage across generations of Americans.