Hendel is a rare and unique given name of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic element "henda," which means "hand." The name Hendel is believed to have been borne by several individuals in medieval German history, but it was popularized in the English-speaking world through the character Hendel in Sir Walter Scott's historical novel "Ivanhoe."
In the novel, Hendel is a Jewish man who serves as a trusted advisor and friend to the protagonist, Ivanhoe. Despite the anti-Semitic attitudes of the time, Hendel is portrayed as a wise and noble figure, and his name has since become associated with these positive qualities.
Today, Hendel remains a relatively uncommon given name in most parts of the world. However, it continues to be used occasionally, particularly among families of German descent or those who are fans of Sir Walter Scott's works. While its meaning may not have changed significantly over time, Hendel's association with the character from "Ivanhoe" has given it a unique and enduring legacy in popular culture.
In conclusion, Hendel is a distinctive given name of German origin that means "hand." Its history is closely tied to Sir Walter Scott's novel "Ivanhoe," where it is associated with wisdom and nobility. Despite its rarity today, Hendel remains a meaningful and memorable choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet significant name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Hendel has seen varying popularity over the past two decades in the United States.
In 1999, there were 5 newborns named Hendel. The number of babies given this name peaked in 2014 with 10 births that year. This indicates a period of higher popularity for the name during this time.
However, the statistics also show fluctuations in the number of babies named Hendel. For instance, there were 9 births in both 2007 and 2010, but then the numbers dropped to 7 in 2012 and remained at 5 or below until 2016.
More recently, the popularity has begun to rise again with 6 babies named Hendel in 2021. This suggests a potential resurgence in interest for this name.
Overall, while Hendel has not been one of the most common names over these years, it has maintained some level of consistent presence, with a total of 79 newborns being given this name between 1999 and 2021 in the United States.