How Do You Spell HERSCHEL?

Pronunciation: [hˈɜːst͡ʃə͡l] (IPA)

The proper spelling of the word "Herschel" is quite straightforward when considering its pronunciation. It is pronounced as /ˈhɜːrʃəl/, with stress on the first syllable "her" and a silent "c" at the end. The "s" sound in the second syllable is a result of the letter "sh" which represents a voiceless palato-alveolar consonant. This word may be challenging for those who are unfamiliar with IPA phonetic transcription, but with this guide, you can confidently spell "Herschel" correctly.

HERSCHEL Meaning and Definition

1. Herschel refers to the surname of a renowned British-German family of astronomers. The name originated from Sir William Herschel, who was a prominent astronomer and musician in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Sir William Herschel is best known for his discovery of the planet Uranus in 1781, which fundamentally expanded the understanding of the solar system.

   Furthermore, the name extends to include his sister Caroline Herschel and his son Sir John Herschel, both of whom made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. Caroline Herschel became the first woman to discover a comet and made extensive observations that advanced the understanding of nebulae and star clusters. Sir John Herschel, on the other hand, continued his father's work in astronomy and made substantial contributions to the field of photography and the study of the Southern Hemisphere skies.

   Today, the name Herschel is often associated with scientific achievements and astronomical research. It represents a rich heritage of groundbreaking observations and advancements in understanding the universe. Beyond its historical significance, the name Herschel may also be used as a given name or surname in various cultures, particularly in reference to the noted astronomers and their contributions.

2. The planet discovered by Dr Herschel, now called Uranus.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for HERSCHEL

• hershel
• hersel
• hersche
• herschell
• hurschel
• hettchel
• Hurschell
• hersther
• Merchel
• Cherchel
• Herschael

Etymology of HERSCHEL

The word "Herschel" originates from a German surname. It is derived from the German given name "Herschel", which in turn is a diminutive form of "Hirsch", meaning "deer" or "stag" in German. The name was most famously associated with the Herschel family, in particular, Sir William Herschel (1738-1822), a German-born British astronomer who discovered Uranus and made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. Over time, the name Herschel has also been adopted as a given name.

Similar spelling words for HERSCHEL

• Herself,
• Hershel.