"deer, little deer"
Origin: Yiddish (from German Hirsch)
Language: Yiddish
Hershel
Does Hershel flow with your last name?
A beloved Yiddish name meaning deer — swift, graceful, enduring
Jewish
Ashkenazi Jewish
American
Vintage
Traditional
Literary
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"swift, graceful (by association with deer)"
Origin: Hebrew (via Naphtali)
Language: Hebrew
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Hershel
Hershel is a Yiddish diminutive of Hirsch (or Hirsh), meaning deer in Yiddish, itself derived from the German 'Hirsch.' In Jewish naming tradition, the Hebrew name Naphtali (one of the twelve tribes of Israel) was translated to Hirsch because Naphtali is compared to a swift deer in the Bible (Genesis 49:21). Hershel thus carries both Yiddish warmth and ancient Biblical resonance.
Hershel was common among Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants to the United States in the early 20th century. The name gained a modern pop culture bump through Hershel Greene, the beloved farmer in The Walking Dead TV series.
In Ashkenazi Jewish tradition, the deer symbolizes grace, swiftness, and beauty. The name Hershel connects bearers to Eastern European Jewish heritage and carries the warmth of shtetl culture.
Historical Record
Hershel first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,601 babies have been named Hershel in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Hershel is past its peak , currently ranked #2,764 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Hershel derives from the same root as the Hershey chocolate brand (founder Milton Hershey's grandfather was named Hershey)
- Hershel Greene in The Walking Dead helped revive interest in this vintage Jewish name
- The Biblical tribe Naphtali was given the Hebrew word for deer, which became Hirsch in Yiddish communities
Hershel in Other Languages
German
Hirsch
Hebrew
צבי (Tzvi)
English
Herschel
Yiddish
הערשעל
Popularity Over Time
#2,764
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1952
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Hershel
H
Herschel Walker
Athlete
1962
Heisman Trophy-winning American football player and 1982 Heisman winner at the University of Georgia
H
Hershel Greene Fictional
Other
Beloved fictional farmer and moral compass character in The Walking Dead TV series, played by Scott Wilson
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,764
- Total SSA Count
- 47
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Ashkenazi Jewish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Hersh
Hesh
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, literary style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Hershel
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Hershel is also used as a girl name, ranked #70367.
View Hershel as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hershel
What does the name Hershel mean?
"deer, little deer" (from Yiddish (from German Hirsch)). "swift, graceful (by association with deer)" (from Hebrew (via Naphtali)). Hershel is a Yiddish diminutive of Hirsch (or Hirsh), meaning deer in Yiddish, itself derived from the German 'Hirsch.' In Jewish naming tradition, the Hebrew name Naphtali (one of the twelve tribes of Israel) was translated to Hirsch because Naphtali is compared to a swift deer in the Bible (Genesis 49:21). Hershel thus carries both Yiddish warmth and ancient Biblical resonance.
What is the origin of the name Hershel?
Hershel has Yiddish (from German Hirsch), Hebrew (via Naphtali), Jewish, Ashkenazi Jewish, and American origins. In Yiddish (from German Hirsch), it means "deer, little deer". In Hebrew (via Naphtali), it means "swift, graceful (by association with deer)".
Is Hershel a boy or girl name?
Hershel is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2764. As a girl name, it is ranked #70367. Hershel is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Hershel?
Hershel is currently ranked #2764 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Hershel?
Common nicknames for Hershel include Hersh and Hesh.
What are good middle names for Hershel?
Popular middle name pairings include Hershel Morris, Hershel Bernard, Hershel Lee, Hershel David, and Hershel Aaron.
What are good sibling names for Hershel?
Names that pair well with Hershel as siblings include Morris, Bernard, Rivka, Esther, and Pearl.
How many syllables does Hershel have?
Hershel has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Hershel a common or rare name?
Hershel is an uncommon name, ranked #2764 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Hershel?
About the Name Hershel
Hershel is a boy name with Jewish, Ashkenazi Jewish, and American origins . The name means "deer, little deer" in Yiddish (from German Hirsch) .
Is Hershel a boy or girl name? Hershel is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,764 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #70,367. Hershel is more commonly used as a boy name.
Hershel is currently ranked #2,764 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Hershel has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Hershel include Hersh and Hesh. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Hershel include Hershy, Hersh . 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