Find out how popular the first name Herschel has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Herschel by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Herschel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 27 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Herschel.

The history of the first name Herschel

The name Herschel originates from the German language, with its roots tracing back to the German word "Herrschel," which means "little ruler" or "little lord." This name gained prominence during the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Europe.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Herschel can be found in reference to the famous astronomer Sir Frederick William Herschel, who was born in 1738 in Hanover, Germany. He is renowned for his groundbreaking discovery of the planet Uranus in 1781 and his contributions to the field of astronomy.

Another notable figure named Herschel was Sir John Herschel, the son of Sir Frederick William Herschel. Born in 1792, he followed in his father's footsteps and became an accomplished astronomer, mathematician, and chemist. He is particularly known for his pioneering work in photography and his extensive cataloging of nebulae and star clusters.

The name Herschel also gained recognition through the life of Herschel Grynszpan, a German-Jewish refugee whose actions in 1938 were used as a pretext by the Nazi regime for the infamous Kristallnacht pogrom against Jewish communities across Germany and Austria.

In the realm of literature, Herschel is the name of a character in the novel "The Bear Went Over the Mountain" by William Kotzwinkle, published in 1996. This fictional bear character explores themes of self-discovery and wilderness.

Another notable figure with the name Herschel is Herschel Walker, an American former professional football player and mixed martial artist. Born in 1962, he had a successful career in the National Football League (NFL) and later pursued a career in mixed martial arts.

While the name Herschel has its roots in German origins, it has been adopted and used across various cultures and regions over the centuries, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name's association with notable figures in astronomy, literature, and sports has contributed to its enduring popularity and recognition.

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 Herschel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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