Herod is a name of ancient origin, derived from the name "Herodes" which is of Greek and Latin origins. The name Herodes itself is a variant of the name "Herdotus," which means "gift of Heracles." Heracles was a legendary hero in Greek mythology, known for his strength and courage.
The name Herod has been carried by several prominent figures throughout history. One of the most well-known bearers of this name was King Herod I, also known as Herod the Great, who ruled Judea from 37 to 4 BCE. He is known for ordering the Massacre of the Innocents according to the Bible's Gospel of Matthew.
Another notable figure bearing this name was Herod Agrippa II, a king of the Roman client kingdom of Judea, who lived in the early 1st century CE. He was also a friend and ally of the Roman Emperor Claudius.
Today, Herod remains a rare but significant name, carrying with it a rich history and a strong, regal connotation. Despite its historical associations, the name Herod is not typically associated with any specific feast days or personality traits, making it a unique and versatile choice for those looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Herod in the United States:
From 1921 to 1928, there were a total of 27 babies named Herod born in the US. This includes seven births in just two years: five in 1922 and another five in 1928.
The year with the highest number of babies named Herod was 1924, with seven newborns sharing this unique name.
Despite its popularity during these early decades, the name Herod has since become quite rare. Over the entire period from 1921 to 2020, there were only a total of 37 births registered for boys named Herod in the United States.