Herman's a Dutch and English given name. Its original meaning was "army man" (Arman) and derives from the Germanic elements "heri" meaning "army" combined with "man" meaning "man" (compare archaic Dutch "heer", meaning "army" and "man"). It's cognate with German "Hermann". See also: Ross Hurman, David Hurman and Dave Katz for information People Notable Saint Herman Herman of Valaam, 11th century, the founder of the Valaam Monastery in Karelia Herman of Joshua, 20th century, philanthropist wh… (More on Herman)