Gershon is a variant of Gershom found in the Hebrew Bible. The name likely means "exile" or "a stranger there," as the Bible explains Gershom (from which Gershon derives) as coming from ger sham (see Exodus 18:3 for reference). In the Old Testament, Gershon is the eldest son of Levi, making him a grandson of Jacob. He is the patriarchal founder of the Gershonites, one of the four main divisions of the Levites. According to the Torah, Gershon's sons were Libni and Shimei. Etymology The name Gershom (and thus Gershon) is explained in the Bible as deriving from Hebrew ger sham, meaning "a stranger there." This may also be understood as "exile," reflecting the circumstance of Moses' son Gershom, so named because Moses was a sojourner in a foreign land. Gershon is essentially a variant form, with the -on ending common in Hebrew names. The Gershonites, as descendants of Gershon, served specific roles in the Tabernacle: they were charged with carrying and caring for the outer tent, its coverings, screens, doors, and hangings (Numbers 4:21-28). Notable Bearers Gershon appears exclusively in the biblical context. In the Old Testament, he is the founder of the Gershonite clan of Levites. The line of Gershon continued through his sons and is mentioned in genealogies in Exodus, Numbers, and 1 Chronicles. In later Jewish tradition, figures such as Gershom Scholem share the similar name Gershom, but Gershon itself has been used in modern times among English and Hebrew speakers. Cultural Significance Gershon is primarily a name laden with religious history, appearing in the Torah and subsequent scriptural references. It symbolizes the Levitical duty and servitude to God. In English Bible translations, Gershon is the standard rendering. The name is used among Christians and Jews as a given name, often as a link to this biblical heritage. Meaning: Exile or a stranger there (variant of Gershom) Origin: Hebrew Type: First name, masculine, biblical Usage: English Bible, Hebrew Bible