All about the name
Herb
Male
« Herb is a unique male given name of English origin, derived from the Latin word "herba" meaning "plant". It was initially used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name in the mid-20th century, with notable bearers including American journalist Herb Caen and Australian athlete Herb Elliott. »
#3196
since 1900
Meaning, origin, history
Herb is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. The name Herb is derived from the Latin word "herba," which means "plant" or "herb." It was originally used as a surname, but it has since been adopted as a given name.
The name Herb gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. In fact, its peak usage as a given name occurred between 1930 and 1960. Although it is not as common today as it once was, Herb remains a recognizable and timeless name choice for parents looking for something a bit different.
Herb has been worn by several notable individuals throughout history. For example, Herb Caen was a well-known American newspaper columnist who worked for the San Francisco Chronicle for over fifty years. Additionally, Herb Elliott is an Australian athlete who won gold medals in the 1500 meters and mile races at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
In literature, Herb appears as a character's name in works such as "Herbert West—Reanimator," a horror short story by H.P. Lovecraft, and "The Herbology of Unusual Bottles," a poem by American poet Thomas Lux.
Overall, Herb is an interesting and uncommon given name with a botanical origin that carries a certain vintage charm. Its historical usage and notable bearers make it a name worth considering for parents looking to give their child a distinctive moniker.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Herb since 1880
Total births
2,008
Total since 1880
Peak year
1947
70 births
in 1993
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years