Hershell

Meaning of Hershell

Hershell is a masculine given name of Germanic and Yiddish origin, derived from the diminutive of Hirsch, meaning “deer.” Pronounced HER-shel in both British and American English (/hɜːˈʃɛl/, /hɝːˈʃɛl/), it first appears in U.S. records in the early 20th century and saw modest use in Kentucky between 1916 and 1954, registering fewer than ten annual births and ranking around the 120th position. Although never broadly popular, its strong consonant framework and understated vintage appeal have attracted parents seeking a distinctive yet grounded choice. In Latin American contexts, Hershell’s clear vowel sounds and stress on the second syllable align neatly with Spanish phonology, highlighting the name’s ease of adaptation across cultures.