Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Herod

Herod is a Greek name in origin; from the elements “heros” (‘ηρως) meaning “hero, warrior” and “oides” (ωιδης) meaning “ode, song”. The name was most famously borne by Herod the Great, a 1st century B.C. King of Judea (which was then a province of the Roman Empire). Technically speaking, Herod is also a Biblical name – since Herod the Great appears in a story in the Gospel According to Matthew Chapter 2. As King of Judea at the time of Jesus’ birth, the Magi appear before King Herod asking: “Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him.” Herod is not quite pleased with this news (he considers himself to be the “king of the Jews” and is threatened by the news of Christ’s birth). Still, after consulting with his own chief priests and scribes, Herod instructed the three wise men where they might find the baby Jesus: Bethlehem. He also asked the Magi to return with the child’s identity so he could go and worship him, too. In a dream, however, the Magi are warned not to return to Herod, and so – after bringing Jesus their gifts – they depart another way. Mary’s husband Joseph also has a dream in which he learns from the Lord that King Herod seeks to destroy Jesus, and Joseph is advised to flee with the baby to Egypt. In the meantime, when the Magi don’t return, Herod – power hungry and paranoid – rounds up every baby boy in all of Bethlehem ages two and under and has them all killed (not knowing that the real Christ is in Egypt). This sad, tragic story is commonly referred to as the “slaughter of the children” or the “massacre of the innocents”. As you can imagine, the name Herod has never been a popular choice among Westerners. It’s just too strongly associated with infanticide.

All About the Baby Name – Herod

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME HEROD

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME HEROD

You may also not be surprised to learn that Herod has never made an appearance on the American male naming charts. Never. Not once. Of course we’re definitely not surprised given the name’s connection to Herod the Great who, according to Matthew, gave the orders to have all of Bethlehem’s babies killed. An awful image and just too brutal to think about. Naming one’s son Herod is probably on par with naming your kid Judas Iscariot or Pontius Pilot. Both Christians and Jews alike recoil from this name. Only atheists might find it acceptable. Yet with all of the name’s bad and brutal Biblical associations, we can’t help but appreciate the Herod’s etymology. Song of a hero.

Quick Facts

ON HEROD

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

HAIR-əd

SIMPLE MEANING:

Song of a hero; Ode to a warrior

Characteristics

OF HEROD

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Herod

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME HEROD

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Herod

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME HEROD

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Herod


Popular Songs

ON HEROD

Like Herod
a song by Mogwai

Famous People

NAMED HEROD

Herod the Great (1st century B.C. King of Judea)

Children of Famous People

NAMED HEROD

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Herod

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME HEROD

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Herod