Find out how popular the first name Herchel has been for the last 5 years (from 1987 to 1991) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Herchel by gender

Based on the last 5 years of data, Herchel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1991, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Herchel.

The history of the first name Herchel

The name Herchel is a variant spelling of the Hebrew name Herschel, which is derived from the German surname Hirsch, meaning "deer" or "stag." The name has its roots in the medieval Jewish communities of Germany and Central Europe, where it was commonly used as a surname or a given name.

The earliest known use of the name Herchel can be traced back to the 16th century, when it appeared in various records and documents from the Jewish communities of Germany and neighboring regions. During this time, the name was often associated with rabbinical scholars and religious leaders, reflecting its Hebrew origins.

One of the most notable historical figures bearing the name Herchel was the German-British astronomer Sir William Herschel (1738-1822). He is renowned for his groundbreaking discoveries, including the discovery of the planet Uranus and several moons of Saturn. His pioneering work in astronomy and his contributions to the field earned him widespread recognition and a place in the annals of scientific history.

Another prominent individual with the name Herchel was the American mathematician and astronomer Herschel Clifford Newbold (1869-1942). He made significant contributions to the field of celestial mechanics and played a crucial role in the development of modern computational techniques for orbital calculations.

In the realm of literature, the name Herchel gained recognition through the works of the American writer Herschel Brickell (1914-1964). He was a notable novelist and screenwriter, best known for his novel "Go Get 'Em, Haines" and his contributions to several Hollywood films.

The name Herchel also holds historical significance in the field of education. Herschel Browning (1920-2001) was an influential American academic and educator who served as the president of Johnson C. Smith University, a prominent historically black university in North Carolina.

Furthermore, the name Herchel has been associated with various other figures across different fields, such as Herschel Greer (1950-1985), an American jazz bassist and composer, and Herschel Walker (born 1962), a former American football player and current politician.

While the name Herchel has its roots in the Jewish communities of Central Europe, it has transcended cultural and geographic boundaries, gaining recognition and prominence across various disciplines and time periods. Its unique spelling and historical significance have made it a distinct and intriguing name, carrying a rich legacy and cultural heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Herchel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Herchel, please contact us.

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