Hervé

Hervé is a masculine given name of French origin, particularly common in Brittany. It is associated with Saint Hervé of Brittany, a 6th‑century monk and the patron saint of sailors, whose cult is celebrated in Breton pardons. The name has long been used in French-speaking regions and has spread to other countries through migration and cultural contact. In addition to its use as a given name, Hervé also appears as a surname in some cases, and the unaccented form Herve is sometimes used in international contexts.

The name is most common in France, especially in Brittany, and is found in other francophone areas such as parts of Belgium, Canada, and Africa due to historical ties and migration. It remains a recognizable traditional Breton name and is sometimes chosen for its regional association.

As a surname, Hervé occurs occasionally in France and other francophone countries, typically indicating patronymic origin from the given name. The accented form Hervé is more common as a first name, while the unaccented Herve appears in international records or contexts where diacritics are less frequently used.

Notable people named Hervé include the French writer Hervé Bazin; the writer and photographer Hervé Guibert; the artist Hervé Di Rosa; the fashion designer Hervé Léger; the actor Hervé Villechaize; the chemist Hervé This; and the football manager Hervé Renard. The name is also associated with Saint Hervé, whose legacy is tied to the Brittany region and its religious traditions.

See also: Saint Hervé.