Herschel
2025 SSA
About Herschel
Herschel is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, derived from 'Hirsch' meaning 'deer' or 'stag,' symbolizing gentleness and swiftness. It was traditionally used as a diminutive of the Hebrew name Tzvi, which carries the same meaning. The name gained recognition through notable bearers like astronomer Sir William Herschel, who discovered Uranus, and various Jewish scholars and rabbis throughout history. While popular among Jewish communities in the early 20th century, Herschel has become less common in recent decades. However, it retains a dignified, intellectual quality that appeals to those drawn to traditional or family-honoring names. Its distinctive sound and rich cultural heritage give it a unique character among contemporary name choices.
Pronounced HER-shul.
As of October 2026, Herschel ranked #3399 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #281 in 1901.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | #3,921 | 27 | 14.1 |
| 2016 | #3,815 | 28 | 14.8 |
| 2017 | #4,519 | 22 | 11.9 |
| 2018 | #4,278 | 24 | 13.2 |
| 2019 | #3,444 | 33 | 18.4 |
| 2020 | #3,041 | 38 | 22 |
| 2021 | #3,142 | 38 | 21.7 |
| 2022 | #4,477 | 23 | 13.2 |
| 2023 | #3,927 | 28 | 16.4 |
| 2024 | #4,929 | 20 | 11.6 |
| 2025 | #3,399 | 34 | 19.9 |
Similar names
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Herschel on lists
Famous Herschels
- Herschel Junior Walker
American NFL player
- Herschel Curry Smith
American track coach
- (Benjamin) Herschel Babbage
English Australian explorer, son of mathematician Charles Babbage
- Herschel Bernardi
American actor
- Herschel Vespasian Johnson
American politician, governor of Georgia
- Herschel Burke Gilbert
American film composer
- William Herschel
German,British astronomer
- Herschel Graham
American actor
- Herschel Grynszpan
born in
- 1921 – last rumoured to be alive 1945
declared dead 1960) was a Polish Jew born in Germany. The Nazis used his assassination of the German diplomat Ernst vom Rath on 7 November 1938 in Paris as a pretext to launch Kristallnacht, the antisemitic pogrom of 9–10 November 1938.
Herschel in pop culture
- Herschel Shmoikel Pinchas Yerucham Krustofski aka Krusty the Clown
character on TV's "The Simpsons".
- Herschel Sparks
character on the TV series "Young Sheldon" Herschel is the father of Billy Sparks