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boy name · germanic origin

Herman

/ HUR-mun /
Boy germanic 2 syllables
Meaning
Herman means Army man / soldier (germanic).
Gender
Boy
Origin
germanic
Pronunciation
HUR-mun
Popularity
#2368 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Herman in the US, 1880–2025
18801900192019401960198020002020

Herman first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 1921, when 3,219 boys were given the name.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Herman popular?

Vintage Herman is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1921.

US babies given the name Herman, by decade
2020s 321
2010s 750
2000s 1,103
1990s 1,957
1980s 3,124
1970s 4,761
1960s 8,360
1950s 13,832
1940s 16,856
1930s 20,319
1920s 29,011
1910s 22,598
1900s 5,064
1890s 4,232
1880s 3,689

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Herman mean?

From Germanic 'heri' (army) and 'man' (man), giving 'man of the army, soldier'. The Latinized Arminius refers to the same Cheruscan war-leader.

Names like Herman

germanic names with a similar feel and popularity.

See all names like Herman →

Names that pair well with Herman

Popular germanic names for a sibling or a middle name.

Compare Herman

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Herman mean?

Herman means Army man / soldier. From Germanic 'heri' (army) and 'man' (man), giving 'man of the army, soldier'. The Latinized Arminius refers to the same Cheruscan war-leader.

What is the origin of the name Herman?

Herman is of germanic origin.

How do you pronounce Herman?

Herman is pronounced “HUR-mun.”

Is Herman a boy or a girl name?

Herman is most commonly used as a boy name.

Is Herman a popular name right now?

Herman is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1921.

How popular is the name Herman?

In 2025, Herman ranked #2368 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Herman most popular?

Herman was most popular in 1921, when about 3,219 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What names are similar to Herman?

Names similar to Herman include Reginald, Bernard, Randolph, Rudolph, Hugo.

What names go well with Herman?

germanic names that pair well with Herman include Robert, William, Charles, Emma, Walter.