Herschel

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Herschel

Herschel is a Hebrew boy name, which has 8 letters.

Herschel is a German name derived from the given name "Heinrich", meaning "home ruler". It can also be a variant of the Hebrew name "Hirsch", meaning "deer".

Alternate Meaning Deer

Origin or Current Usage Hebrew

Gender M

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Detailed Information About The Name Herschel

The name Herschel is of German origin and is typically given to boys. It has a rich history and carries significant meaning. Herschel is derived from the German surname "Hergesheil," which means "army leader." It gained popularity as a first name in the 19th century, largely due to the achievements and works of Sir William Herschel, a renowned German-born British astronomer. Sir William Herschel is credited with discovering the planet Uranus in 1781 and numerous other celestial objects. His contributions to astronomy and advancements in telescopes greatly influenced the scientific community.

The name Herschel gained more prominence in the early 20th century when it was given to Herschel Grynszpan, a young Jewish man whose assassination of a German diplomat in Paris in 1938 became a catalyst for the escalation of anti-Semitic violence leading up to World War II. This unfortunate historical event gave the name Herschel its own place in the annals of history, albeit for darker reasons.

Today, the name Herschel maintains its popularity amongst parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their baby boys. The name projects strength, leadership, and a connection to the celestial world. It carries a sense of uniqueness and an air of intelligence, paying tribute to the legacy of Sir William Herschel. The popularity of the name Herschel has spread beyond Germany and is now embraced by parents globally, signifying its wide appeal and universal recognition.

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