Meaning and history
This name comes from the Greek Ἡρῴδης (Herodes), probably meaning “song of the hero,” from ἥρως (heros) “hero, warrior” and ᾠδή (ode) “song, ode.” It was borne by several rulers of Judea during the Roman period, including Herod the Great, who ordered the slaughter of the children, and his son Herod Antipas, who had John the Baptist beheaded.