Boy · 251st of 16,616
Jerome
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
162,136
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1954
Peak Popularity Year
3,129
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Jerome 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
The name Jerome has its origins in the Greek name Hieronymos, which translates to 'sacred name'. It evolved through Latin and Old French into its modern form. The name is associated with religious significance due to Saint Jerome's contributions to Christianity. It carries traits of wisdom and scholarship, with no direct biblical relevance. The name has maintained a sense of respect and traditional appeal throughout history.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/dʒəˈroʊm/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Jerome is derived from the Greek name Hieronymos, which means 'sacred name' or 'holy name'. It combines the elements 'hieros' meaning 'sacred' and 'onoma' meaning 'name'.
Meaning
sacred name, holy name
Language Evolution
Hieronymos (Greek), Jerome (Latin), Jerome (Old French), Jerome (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Jerome gained popularity due to Saint Jerome, a Christian scholar and translator, known for his Latin Vulgate Bible translation in the 4th century. His influence in the Church contributed to the name's prominence in Christian communities.
Variants & Derivatives
Geronimo, Jeromy, Jeroen, Jerom, Hieronim
Modern Popularity & Image
Jerome is perceived as a traditional and classic name, often associated with wisdom and scholarly pursuits. It has a strong historical and religious connotation, which contributes to its continued respect and use.
Famous People
Saint Jerome, Jerome K. Jerome, Jerome Bettis, Jerome Powell
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
Highly Popular name with 3,129 peak births in 1954
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 4 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 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 130th of 7545 | 20,331 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 109th of 6773 | 35,155 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 123rd of 7552 | 53,094 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 170th of 10718 | 25,410 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 251st of 16616 | 16,408 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 565th of 24088 | 6,837 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 935th of 23106 | 2,777 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2850th of 9107 | 179 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2676th of 9204 | 201 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2768th of 12526 | 326 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4110th of 19264 | 234 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8671st of 27321 | 122 |