Herman means "army man", derived from the Germanic elements hari "army" and man "man". It was introduced to England by the Normans, died out, and was revived in the English-speaking world in the 19th century. It was borne by a 18th-century Russian missionary to Alaska who is venerated as a saint in the Orthodox Church. Another famous bearer was Herman Melville (1819-1891), the author of 'Moby-Dick'.
Saintly namesake: Herman of Alaska was a Russian Orthodox monk and missionary remembered for his work among the native peoples of Alaska. He is one of several saints named Herman. (December 26 · 19th century)
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