Gershon

Pronunciation: [ g-ERSH-uhn ]

Boy Name #3,264 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

An ancient Hebrew name from the tribe of Levi

Jewish Hebrew Israeli

Traditional Spiritual Classic Literary

Meaning & Origin

"a stranger there"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

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.

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

Famous People Named Gershon

George Gershwin

Musician

1898

Iconic American composer known for Rhapsody in Blue and Porgy and Bess, born Jacob Gershowitz

Gershom ben Judah

Religious

960

Medieval rabbi known as Rabbenu Gershom, the Light of the Exile, who enacted major reforms in Ashkenazi Jewish law

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

Gerson #1837

Common Nicknames

Gerry Gersh

Pairs Well With

Gershon Aaron Gershon David Gershon Isaac Gershon Levi Gershon Noah Gershon Samuel

Sibling Names

Miriam Naomi Levi Reuben Deborah Asher

Similar Names

Norman Jackson Jordan Simeon Lawson Watson Golden Orson

Playground Safety

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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.

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.