Origin and Meaning of Gershon

Meaning & Origin

Exile / A stranger

Origin: Hebrew - The name Gershon is derived from the Hebrew word 'ger', meaning 'stranger' or 'foreigner'. It has biblical roots, being the name of the firstborn son of Moses and Zipporah.

Interesting Facts

  • Gershon appears in the Hebrew Bible as the name of Moses' son and is associated with the Levite family of Gershonites, known for their roles in the ancient Israelite priesthood.
  • The name is used predominantly in Jewish communities and has been adopted in various forms in other cultures.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Gershon Baskin, an Israeli activist and peace advocate, and Gershon Gorenberg, an Israeli journalist and author.
  • The name Gershon is not extremely common in modern naming trends but has seen sporadic use, particularly within Jewish families.
  • Variations of the name include Gershom, which is another biblical name with a similar meaning, and the Yiddish form, Gershele.