The given name Hershel is a variant spelling of the Hebrew name Hirsch, which means "deer" or "stag." It originated from the Ashkenazi Jewish communities of Eastern Europe, particularly in areas like Poland, Ukraine, and Russia.

In the early Middle Ages, the name Hirsch was first recorded in German-speaking regions, likely adopted by Jewish families as a surname or byname. Over time, various spellings emerged, including Herschel, Hershel, and Herschell, as the name spread across different linguistic and cultural boundaries.

One of the earliest known historical references to the name Hershel can be found in the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, where the word "hirsh" is mentioned in relation to a deer or stag. This suggests that the name's meaning and association with the animal were well-established in ancient Jewish tradition.

In the 17th century, the name gained prominence among Ashkenazi Jews, with notable figures like Rabbi Hershel of Ostropol (1610-1680), a renowned Talmudic scholar and kabbalist. Another prominent bearer of the name was Hershel Opolski (1640-1737), a Jewish philosopher and mathematician.

The 18th century saw the rise of Hershel Tzvi (1725-1805), a prominent Polish-Jewish leader and author, who played a significant role in the development of Hasidic Judaism. He was also known as the "Seer of Lublin" for his supposed mystical abilities.

In the 19th century, the name gained recognition outside of the Jewish community with individuals like Herschel Grynszpan (1921-1945), a German-born Jew whose assassination of a German diplomat in Paris is considered one of the catalysts for the Kristallnacht pogrom in Nazi Germany.

Another notable figure was Sir William Herschel (1738-1822), a German-born British astronomer who discovered the planet Uranus and made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. While his given name was Friedrich Wilhelm, he adopted the English version Herschel after moving to Britain.

The 20th century brought forth personalities such as Hershel Woodrow Williams (1923-2022), a United States Marine Corps veteran who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.