Gershom
Gershom Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈɡɜɹ.ʃɑm/
Meaning of Gershom: Gershom is a Hebrew masculine name with two proposed etymologies. The most commonly cited is from ger (stranger, sojourner) and sham (there), meaning stranger there or I have been a stranger in a foreign land — a name that functions as a memorialization.
An alternative etymology derives Gershom from the root garash (to drive out, to banish), giving it the meaning driven out or expelled. Both interpretations reflect the biblical context of exile and displacement that runs through the patriarchal narratives of the Hebrew Bible.
In the Hebrew Bible, Gershom is the name of the firstborn son of Moses and Zipporah (Exodus 2:22). Moses named the child Gershom saying, 'I have been a stranger in a foreign land,' referencing his years of exile in Midian after fleeing Egypt.
What Does Gershom Mean? Origin & Etymology
A second Gershom appears in the Bible as the firstborn son of Levi (Genesis 46:11), an ancestor of the Levitical priestly clan. The name therefore appears in two distinct lineages and carries associations with both the Mosaic legacy and the Levitical priestly tradition.
As a given name, Gershom was used in Jewish communities through the medieval and early modern periods. The scholar Rabbi Gershom ben Judah (c. 960-1040), known as Rabbenu Gershom, was one of the most influential legal authorities in medieval Ashkenazi Jewish history.
Gershom does not rank in US SSA records as a common name. It is used in Jewish communities as a traditional biblical name honoring the Mosaic heritage. The name carries strong associations with exile and identity. Reference: etymology records.
Numerology & Symbolism of Gershom
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Gershom – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gershom
What does Gershom mean?
Gershom is Hebrew 'exile' meaning a stranger there; This is the name of a son of Moses in the Old Testament ..
How popular is Gershom?
Gershom is rarely used in the United States but maintains its standing in Biblical, Biblical Hebrew. SSA records show no significant US ranking for this name.
How do you pronounce Gershom?
Gershom is pronounced /ˈɡɜɹ.ʃɑm/. The name originates in Biblical, Biblical Hebrew tradition.
What are variants of Gershom?
Gershom has related forms in other languages: Gérson (Portuguese). These variants all share the same root and meaning.