Origin and Meaning of Herman

Army man / Warrior

Origin: German - Derived from the Old High German name 'Hermann', which is composed of the elements 'her', meaning 'army', and 'man', meaning 'man' or 'warrior'.

• Herman has historical significance and has been borne by several notable figures throughout history, including the Roman general Arminius, known as Herman, who led a coalition of tribes against the Roman Empire.
• The name is popular in various cultures, particularly in German-speaking countries but has also gained some usage in other regions, including the United States.
• Notable bearers of the name include Herman Melville, an American novelist best known for his book 'Moby-Dick', and Herman Hesse, a German-Swiss poet and author.
• Herman saw its peak use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among German-American communities, but its popularity has declined since then.
• Variations of the name include Erman, Hermann, and the less common Hermen. In some cultures, it may be shortened to 'Herm'.