Jerome, a classic and enduring name, holds a special place in the lexicon of boy names. This article delves into the depths of its meaning, popularity, and related names, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering Jerome for their child.
The Meaning of Jerome
Jerome is a boy’s name derived from the Greek name Hieronymos. Its meaning is profoundly spiritual: "He of the holy name," stemming from the Greek words hieros (holy) and onyma (name). This name carries a sense of reverence and connection to the divine.
Jerome Name Popularity
How popular is the name Jerome? The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides detailed data on name popularity in the United States. Let’s examine Jerome’s historical trends.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 165 | 143 | 0.0406% |
| 1911 | 159 | 172 | 0.0462% |
| 1912 | 131 | 460 | 0.0912% |
| 1913 | 143 | 506 | 0.0892% |
| 1914 | 138 | 694 | 0.0996% |
| 1915 | 140 | 878 | 0.0966% |
| 1916 | 138 | 958 | 0.0992% |
| 1917 | 134 | 1,037 | 0.1037% |
| 1918 | 137 | 1,113 | 0.1037% |
| 1919 | 135 | 1,074 | 0.1026% |
| 1920 | 126 | 1,267 | 0.114% |
| 1921 | 124 | 1,377 | 0.1203% |
| 1922 | 121 | 1,405 | 0.1261% |
| 1923 | 118 | 1,464 | 0.1307% |
| 1924 | 114 | 1,552 | 0.1336% |
| 1925 | 113 | 1,544 | 0.1366% |
| 1926 | 115 | 1,581 | 0.1437% |
| 1927 | 111 | 1,671 | 0.151% |
| 1928 | 110 | 1,722 | 0.1609% |
| 1929 | 110 | 1,644 | 0.1587% |
| 1930 | 105 | 1,748 | 0.1673% |
| 1931 | 103 | 1,728 | 0.1751% |
| 1932 | 107 | 1,636 | 0.1656% |
| 1933 | 105 | 1,677 | 0.18% |
| 1934 | 107 | 1,749 | 0.1809% |
| 1935 | 96 | 1,995 | 0.2053% |
| 1936 | 98 | 1,943 | 0.2017% |
| 1937 | 100 | 1,953 | 0.1982% |
| 1938 | 94 | 2,188 | 0.2137% |
| 1939 | 93 | 2,135 | 0.2099% |
| 1940 | 95 | 2,166 | 0.2038% |
| 1941 | 101 | 2,133 | 0.1895% |
| 1942 | 104 | 2,317 | 0.1835% |
| 1943 | 109 | 2,280 | 0.1746% |
| 1944 | 117 | 1,932 | 0.1559% |
| 1945 | 122 | 1,830 | 0.1501% |
| 1946 | 114 | 2,270 | 0.1538% |
| 1947 | 111 | 2,661 | 0.1594% |
| 1948 | 110 | 2,577 | 0.1614% |
| 1949 | 105 | 2,754 | 0.1712% |
| 1950 | 103 | 2,812 | 0.1746% |
| 1951 | 103 | 2,972 | 0.1753% |
| 1952 | 105 | 3,040 | 0.1742% |
| 1953 | 107 | 3,063 | 0.1731% |
| 1954 | 113 | 3,099 | 0.1695% |
| 1955 | 112 | 3,070 | 0.1669% |
| 1956 | 117 | 3,049 | 0.1614% |
| 1957 | 126 | 2,985 | 0.1551% |
| 1958 | 129 | 2,796 | 0.1479% |
| 1959 | 134 | 2,673 | 0.1407% |
| 1960 | 133 | 2,652 | 0.14% |
| 1961 | 136 | 2,618 | 0.1387% |
| 1962 | 131 | 2,748 | 0.1497% |
| 1963 | 128 | 2,639 | 0.147% |
| 1964 | 140 | 2,299 | 0.1306% |
| 1965 | 143 | 2,122 | 0.1298% |
| 1966 | 147 | 1,926 | 0.1234% |
| 1967 | 153 | 1,770 | 0.1166% |
| 1968 | 161 | 1,662 | 0.1107% |
| 1969 | 165 | 1,651 | 0.1072% |
| 1970 | 167 | 1,706 | 0.1072% |
| 1971 | 162 | 1,686 | 0.1122% |
| 1972 | 166 | 1,531 | 0.1124% |
| 1973 | 163 | 1,434 | 0.1106% |
| 1974 | 169 | 1,391 | 0.107% |
| 1975 | 165 | 1,419 | 0.1104% |
| 1976 | 165 | 1,393 | 0.1081% |
| 1977 | 174 | 1,344 | 0.0997% |
| 1978 | 171 | 1,353 | 0.1006% |
| 1979 | 177 | 1,329 | 0.0943% |
| 1980 | 178 | 1,356 | 0.0927% |
| 1981 | 183 | 1,348 | 0.0917% |
| 1982 | 191 | 1,285 | 0.086% |
| 1983 | 194 | 1,206 | 0.0817% |
| 1984 | 199 | 1,159 | 0.0779% |
| 1985 | 199 | 1,186 | 0.0781% |
| 1986 | 207 | 1,135 | 0.0752% |
| 1987 | 211 | 1,142 | 0.0748% |
| 1988 | 222 | 1,104 | 0.0708% |
| 1989 | 252 | 998 | 0.0618% |
| 1990 | 263 | 990 | 0.0597% |
| 1991 | 287 | 881 | 0.0541% |
| 1992 | 298 | 861 | 0.0539% |
| 1993 | 322 | 774 | 0.0496% |
| 1994 | 338 | 697 | 0.0454% |
| 1995 | 373 | 603 | 0.04% |
| 1996 | 394 | 557 | 0.0372% |
| 1997 | 425 | 498 | 0.0337% |
| 1998 | 414 | 534 | 0.0357% |
| 1999 | 446 | 472 | 0.0315% |
| 2000 | 502 | 415 | 0.0272% |
| 2001 | 486 | 441 | 0.0293% |
| 2002 | 484 | 437 | 0.0292% |
| 2003 | 555 | 363 | 0.0239% |
| 2004 | 548 | 377 | 0.0247% |
| 2005 | 568 | 371 | 0.0243% |
| 2006 | 585 | 380 | 0.0243% |
| 2007 | 609 | 365 | 0.0231% |
| 2008 | 606 | 367 | 0.0237% |
| 2009 | 664 | 324 | 0.0217% |
| 2010 | 739 | 251 | 0.0174% |
| 2011 | 727 | 259 | 0.0182% |
| 2012 | 672 | 302 | 0.0212% |
| 2013 | 735 | 258 | 0.0181% |
| 2014 | 758 | 252 | 0.0173% |
| 2015 | 815 | 214 | 0.0147% |
| 2016 | 817 | 216 | 0.015% |
| 2017 | 812 | 212 | 0.0152% |
| 2018 | 835 | 196 | 0.0143% |
| 2019 | 878 | 178 | 0.0131% |
| 2020 | 1,041 | 144 | 0.0113% |
| 2021 | 1,129 | 129 | 0.0106% |
| 2022 | 1,202 | 119 | 0.009% |
| 2023 | 1,164 | 125 | 0.0097% |
The data shows that Jerome’s peak popularity occurred in the mid-20th century, specifically between the 1930s and 1960s. While its usage has declined since then, it remains a recognizable and respected name. The District of Columbia also shows a distinct naming trend for Jerome throughout the years.
Names Like Jerome
If you appreciate the sound and feel of Jerome, several other names offer similar qualities.
Diminutives of Jerome
- Jerry: A classic and widely recognized short form of Jerome.
Variants of Jerome
- Gerome: A slight variation with the same Greek root.
- Geronimo: An Italian form with a strong, historical association.
- Gerry: Another diminutive, often used independently.
- Hierome, Hieronim, Hieronimo, Hieronimos, Hieronimus, Hieronymos, Hieronymus: All variations of the Greek name.
- Jairo, Jairome, Jeroen, Jeromo, Jeronimo, Jerrome, Jerron, Jerry: All variations of the Greek name.
Names That Sound Like Jerome
- Jereme: A Hebrew name meaning "The Lord exalts."
- Jeromy: A modern variation.
Similar Names
- Chairo: A Spanish name that shares the "sacred name" connection.
Siblings of Jerome
According to data, parents who chose Jerome for their son also selected these names for his siblings:
- Jaylon: A name of Greek origin, meaning "calm."
- Morgan: A Welsh name meaning "circling sea," suitable for both boys and girls.
- Lorenzo: An Italian name meaning "laurel."
- Michael: A Hebrew name meaning "Who is Like God?".
The Enduring Appeal of Jerome
Despite fluctuations in popularity, Jerome retains a timeless appeal. Its strong meaning, historical significance, and association with intelligence and integrity make it a worthy choice for parents seeking a classic and meaningful name for their son. The name Jerome is a solid choice. Jerome’s legacy is secure.