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Herschel
Pronounced HUR-shəl /ˈhɜr.ʃəl/High
Meaning: From Yiddish Hirsch, 'a deer, a stag', plus the diminutive -el — 'little deer' (often paired with Hebrew Naftali)Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Herschel comes from Yiddish Hirsch, 'a deer, a stag', plus the diminutive -el — 'little deer' (often coupled with the Hebrew Naftali, called 'a swift deer'). A warm, traditional name in Jewish communities (Heisman winner Herschel Walker; the Herschel astronomers).
In the U.S. it appears in Jewish families. Rare, a-little-deer at the root, and warm.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Herschel mean?
Herschel is Yiddish for 'a deer, a stag' ('little deer').
How do you pronounce Herschel?
It's said HUR-shəl /ˈhɜr.ʃəl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Herschel a boy or girl name?
Herschel is a boy's name.
How popular is Herschel?
Herschel is a rare name in the U.S.