Hershel is a unique and uncommon name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "heresh," which means "deer." The name Hershel is often associated with intelligence, grace, and swiftness, as these are qualities commonly attributed to deer.
The name Hershel has a long history in Jewish culture. It was popular among Ashkenazi Jews during the Middle Ages and has been passed down through generations. Some notable figures bearing this name include Herschel Grynszpan, a German-Jewish man who assassinated a German diplomat in 1938, and Herschel W. Isaacson, an American rabbi and author.
Despite its Hebrew origins, Hershel gained popularity beyond Jewish communities in the early 20th century due to the character Herschell Goodwin, a baseball player featured in Ring Lardner's semi-autobiographical series "You Know Me Al." This exposure helped to popularize the name among non-Jewish Americans.
Today, Hershel remains an uncommon but distinctive name. It is often chosen by parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child, inspired by its Hebrew origins and rich history. The name Hershel carries a sense of tradition and uniqueness, making it a appealing choice for those looking for something different from the usual popular names.
In conclusion, Hershel is an uncommon but significant name with deep roots in Jewish culture and history. Its meaning and origin make it a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Hersel has been given to a total of 197 children in the United States between 1909 and 1953. The years with the highest number of births were 1921, with 16 births, and 1916, with 11 births. However, there have been some years where the name was not given to any children at all, such as in 1908, 1910-1913, 1919-1920, 1924-1926, and 1929-1933. Despite this variability, the name Hersel has maintained a consistent presence in the United States throughout the early to mid-20th century.