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Hershey

♂ Boy

Pronounced HUR-shee /ˈhɜr.ʃi/Medium

Meaning: Hershey is a surname of English and German origin whose exact route is debated; some trace it to a place name, others to Hirsch ('deer'). In the U.S. it is inseparable from the Hershey chocolate name. We note the honest uncertainty.Low

In 30 seconds: A sweet, familiar surname-name: Hershey rings of the chocolate name, with roots debated between English and German (said 'HUR-shee').

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Origin LowEnglish, German

MeaningHershey is a surname of English and German origin whose exact route is debated; some trace it to a place name, others to Hirsch ('deer'). In the U.S. it is inseparable from the Hershey chocolate name. We note the honest uncertainty.

U.S. rank (2024)#12944 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 133

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

Hershey is a surname of English and German origin, sometimes linked to the German Hirsch ('deer') or to a place name; its exact route is debated, which we note. In America it is famous as the Hershey chocolate name, lending it a warm, nostalgic ring (said 'HUR-shee').

As a first name it is very rare in the U.S. Rare, surname-style, and sweetly familiar.

Did you know? For most U.S. families Hershey conjures the chocolate name first; as a surname its route is debated — some tie it to Hirsch, 'deer.' We note the honest uncertainty (said 'HUR-shee').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Hershey — English/German surname; chocolate name; route debated

Variations

HersheeHirschey

Nicknames

HershShey

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Hershey mean?

Hershey is an English/German surname of debated route, sometimes tied to Hirsch ('deer'); we note the uncertainty.

How do you pronounce Hershey?

It's said HUR-shee /ˈhɜr.ʃi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Hershey a boy or girl name?

Hershey is used here as a boy's name, though it is unisex in feel.

How popular is Hershey?

Hershey is a very rare given name in the U.S.