The name Hershey is of English origin and has a unique and interesting history behind it. It is believed to have originated as an occupational surname for someone who was a herdsman or cattle keeper. The name is derived from the Middle English word "herse," which means "heather" or "gorse." Over time, the name evolved into Hershey, likely due to influences of the phonetic changes that occurred in language during the Middle Ages.
The name Hershey has been popularized by the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, which was founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1905. Milton Hershey was a successful businessman who made his fortune in the chocolate industry and decided to build a model industrial town for his workers. The town was named after himself, and today it is famous worldwide as the home of the Hershey Chocolate Company.
Despite its popularity in recent times due to its association with chocolate, the name Hershey has a long history that predates Milton Hershey's accomplishments. It has been used as a given name for boys since at least the 19th century and continues to be chosen by parents today. While it may not be as common as some other names, Hershey has a unique sound and an interesting backstory that makes it stand out.
In conclusion, Hershey is an English occupational surname that originated from Middle English words meaning "heather" or "gorse." It was popularized by the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, founded by Milton S. Hershey in 1905. Today, Hershey is used as both a surname and given name for boys, with its unique sound and history making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Hershey has been a part of the American naming landscape for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1914. Between that year and 2022, there have been a total of 128 births registered with the name Hershey in the United States.
The name's popularity has varied over time, peaking in certain decades before declining again. The highest number of Hershey births in a single year occurred in 1945, with nine babies being named Hershey that year. This peak was followed by another high point in 2022, with ten births registered.
While there were no recorded Hershey births between the years 1936 and 1941, and again from 1982 to 2021, it is important to note that this may be due to factors such as varying record-keeping practices over time or changes in naming trends.
Despite fluctuations in popularity, the name Hershey has maintained a consistent presence in the U.S. baby name pool for over a hundred years. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues and whether future generations choose to perpetuate this unique naming tradition.