Herschell is a unique and distinctive name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "heresh," which means "candle." The name Herschell has a rich history and cultural significance, as it was often given to boys born into Jewish families.
The name Herschell gained popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. It was often used as a variation of the more common Hebrew name "Hersch," which has the same meaning but is spelled differently.
Throughout history, the name Herschell has been associated with prominent figures in various fields. One notable example is Herschel Grynszpan, a young German-Jewish man who gained international attention after assassinating a German diplomat in 1938. Although his actions had tragic consequences, they also played a role in drawing global attention to the plight of Jewish people living under Nazi rule.
Despite its historical significance, the name Herschell remains relatively uncommon today. However, it continues to be valued for its unique sound and Hebrew origins. For those who choose this name for their child, it may hold special meaning as a tribute to Jewish heritage or simply as an expression of individuality.
The name Herschell has seen a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States, with its highest peak during the early 20th century.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were consistently low numbers of babies named Herschell, with five births recorded each year from 1897 to 1901. However, starting in 1910, the popularity of the name began to rise significantly.
The years 1914 to 1925 saw a notable increase in the number of babies named Herschell, with a peak of 33 births recorded in 1924. This period marked the most popular time for the name in the United States.
Throughout the following decades, the popularity of Herschell steadily declined. By the 1930s and 1940s, the number of babies named Herschell had fallen to around 15 to 25 births per year. This trend continued into the 1950s and beyond.
From the 1960s onwards, the name Herschell became quite rare, with fewer than ten births recorded each year. Even during the peak of its popularity in the early 20th century, Herschell was never a particularly common name, with a total of 1059 babies named Herschell over the years in the United States.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Herschell holds historical significance and may be of interest to those researching family histories or looking for unique baby names.