Boy · 783rd of 24,088
Jair
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
7,098
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2003
Peak Popularity Year
480
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Jair stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Jair is a Hebrew name meaning 'he will enlighten' or 'to shine'. It evolved from Hebrew to Latin and Greek forms. The name is associated with a biblical judge and has seen a rise in popularity in the 19th century due to its religious significance. Today, it is perceived as a unique name with positive traits. While not extremely common, it is linked to notable figures in contemporary society.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒaɪər/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Jair comes from the Hebrew name יָאִיר, which means 'he will enlighten' or 'to shine'.
Meaning
to enlighten, to shine
Language Evolution
Hebrew: יָאִיר (Yair), Latin: Jairus, Greek: Ἰάϊρος (Iairus)
Biblical Background
Jair is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Judges as a judge of Israel who had thirty sons and was known for his leadership.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, particularly among religious communities due to its biblical connections.
Variants & Derivatives
Jairus, Yaïr, Jairus
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Jair is viewed as a unique and meaningful name, often associated with enlightenment and leadership, though it remains relatively uncommon.
Famous People
Jair Bolsonaro, Brazilian politician and former president, Jair Rodriguez, American mixed martial artist
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 480 peak births in 2003
Geographic Spread
Popular across 32 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 23 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 6 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5127th of 10718 | 63 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1957th of 16616 | 570 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 783rd of 24088 | 3,905 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 999th of 23106 | 2,549 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 27321st of 27321 | 5 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 33240th of 35406 | 6 |