"a stranger there"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Gershon
Pronunciation: [ g-ERSH-uhn ]
Does Gershon flow with your last name?
An ancient Hebrew name from the tribe of Levi
Jewish
Hebrew
Israeli
Traditional
Spiritual
Classic
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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The Story of Gershon
Gershon appears in the Hebrew Bible as the firstborn son of Moses and Zipporah, and also as the eldest son of Levi, ancestor of the priestly tribe. The name derives from the Hebrew ger (stranger, sojourner) and sham (there), reflecting Moses naming his son to commemorate his experience as a stranger in a foreign land. It is one of the oldest recorded Hebrew personal names still in use today.
Gershon has remained a traditional name in Jewish communities around the world for over three thousand years. While rare outside Jewish communities, it is used by families wishing to honor the deep biblical tradition of the Levite priests.
In Jewish tradition, Gershon represents the tribe of Levi, the priestly and scholarly tribe of Israel. The Gershonites were responsible for carrying the sacred tabernacle during the Israelites wandering in the desert.
Historical Record
Gershon first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 869 babies have been named Gershon in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Gershon is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #3,264 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Gershon was the firstborn son of Levi and ancestor of the Gershonite clan of priests in the Old Testament
- The name shares its root with the word gerim meaning strangers in Jewish law
Gershon in Other Languages
Greek
Gerson
Latin
Gerson
Hebrew
Gershon
Yiddish
Gershon
Popularity Over Time
#3,264
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Gershon
G
George Gershwin
Musician
1898
Iconic American composer known for Rhapsody in Blue and Porgy and Bess, born Jacob Gershowitz
G
Gershom ben Judah
Religious
960
Medieval rabbi known as Rabbenu Gershom, the Light of the Exile, who enacted major reforms in Ashkenazi Jewish law
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Compare Gershon with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,264
- Total SSA Count
- 37
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Hebrew Israeli
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Gerry
Gersh
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, literary style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Gershon
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gershon
What does the name Gershon mean?
"a stranger there" (from Hebrew). Gershon appears in the Hebrew Bible as the firstborn son of Moses and Zipporah, and also as the eldest son of Levi, ancestor of the priestly tribe. The name derives from the Hebrew ger (stranger, sojourner) and sham (there), reflecting Moses naming his son to commemorate his experience as a stranger in a foreign land. It is one of the oldest recorded Hebrew personal names still in use today.
What is the origin of the name Gershon?
Gershon has Hebrew, Jewish, and Israeli origins. In Hebrew, it means "a stranger there".
Is Gershon a boy or girl name?
Gershon is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Gershon?
Gershon is pronounced g-ERSH-uhn.
How popular is the name Gershon?
Gershon is currently ranked #3264 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Gershon?
Common nicknames for Gershon include Gerry and Gersh.
What are good middle names for Gershon?
Popular middle name pairings include Gershon Aaron, Gershon David, Gershon Isaac, Gershon Levi, Gershon Noah, and Gershon Samuel.
What are good sibling names for Gershon?
Names that pair well with Gershon as siblings include Miriam, Naomi, Levi, Reuben, Deborah, and Asher.
How many syllables does Gershon have?
Gershon has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Gershon a common or rare name?
Gershon is an uncommon name, ranked #3264 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Gershon?
Are there other spellings for Gershon?
Related spellings include Gerson.
About the Name Gershon
Gershon is a boy name with Jewish, Hebrew, and Israeli origins . The name means "a stranger there" in Hebrew .
Gershon is currently ranked #3,264 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Gershon has 2 syllables and is pronounced g-ERSH-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Gershon include Gerry and Gersh. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Gershon include Gerson . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis