All about the name

Herman

Male

« Herman is a German name meaning 'army-man' or 'warrior', popular since the Middle Ages, honoring Saint Herman, and once favored among royalty in Germany. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Herman is a name of German origin, derived from the Germanic word "her" meaning "army" or "warrior", and "man" meaning "man". The name has been used since the Middle Ages and was popular among the Germanic tribes. The name Herman was traditionally given to boys in honor of Saint Herman, a 7th-century Frankish bishop who was known for his courage and leadership. In Germany, the name Herman became particularly popular during the Middle Ages and was often associated with royalty and nobility. For example, Herman I was the first Duke of Swabia in the 10th century. Over time, the name Herman has spread beyond its Germanic origins and is now used worldwide. It has also been adapted into various forms such as Hermann (German), Hermán (Spanish), and Erman (Turkish). In literature and popular culture, some notable figures named Herman include Herman Melville, the American novelist who wrote "Moby-Dick", and Herman Bang, a Danish playwright and poet. The name Herman is also shared by various fictional characters, such as Herman Munster from the American sitcom "The Munsters". Overall, Herman is a strong and historic name with deep roots in Germanic culture and history. It has been worn by many notable figures throughout history and continues to be used today as a meaningful and memorable name choice for boys.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Herman since 1880

Total births
135,856
Total since 1880
Peak year
1921
3,219 births
in 2023
60
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-9%
vs previous 5 years