Jerel Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: JER-el //ˈdʒɛr.əl//
Origin: English; Hebrew
Meaning: English: a modern variant of Gerald; Hebrew: God will uplift
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Jerel is believed to have roots in Hebrew, deriving from the elements "Yare" meaning "to fear" or "to revere" and "El" meaning "God." This combination suggests a meaning akin to "one who fears God" or "reverent of God." The name may also be seen as a modern variant or diminutive of names such as Jeremia or Jerel, which have biblical connections, particularly with the prophet Jeremiah, who is known for his prophecies and lamentations in the Hebrew Bible. The transition of the name into English likely occurred through the influence of biblical translations and the adoption of Hebrew names into Christian contexts during the early medieval period.
Historically, the name Jerel does not appear prominently in ancient texts or records; however, its components are deeply embedded in Jewish tradition and scripture. The name Jeremiah, from which Jerel may derive, has been significant since antiquity, with the prophet Jeremiah being a key figure in the Old Testament, active around the 7th century BCE.
The name's biblical roots were further solidified through various translations of the Bible, including the Septuagint and later the King James Bible in the early 17th century, which popularized many biblical names in English-speaking cultures. Culturally, names that invoke reverence towards God, such as Jerel, carry a weight of spiritual significance and are often associated with faith and devotion.
The enduring nature of such names can be attributed to their biblical origins and the cultural practices surrounding naming conventions in religious communities. While Jerel itself may not have widespread historical documentation, its connection to revered biblical figures and the tradition of naming children after saints or prophets reflects a broader cultural resonance that emphasizes the importance of faith and moral values in naming practices.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Jerel was first seen in the United States in 1937. Jerel has ranked as high as #1030 nationally, which occurred in 1989, and has been most popular in New York, California, Michigan, Florida, and North Carolina. In the past 5 years the name Jerel has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Jerel (2001)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 9 | |
| IL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1937 | 5 |
| 1941 | 5 |
| 1942 | 6 |
| 1945 | 6 |
| 1946 | 12 |
| 1947 | 46 |
| 1948 | 54 |
| 1949 | 87 |
| 1950 | 88 |
| 1951 | 73 |
| 1952 | 50 |
| 1953 | 35 |
| 1954 | 27 |
| 1955 | 20 |
| 1956 | 22 |
| 1957 | 18 |
| 1958 | 12 |
| 1959 | 10 |
| 1960 | 12 |
| 1961 | 9 |
| 1962 | 11 |
| 1963 | 7 |
| 1965 | 5 |
| 1966 | 22 |
| 1967 | 31 |
| 1968 | 50 |
| 1969 | 65 |
| 1970 | 93 |
| 1971 | 62 |
| 1972 | 72 |
| 1973 | 68 |
| 1974 | 66 |
| 1975 | 64 |
| 1976 | 35 |
| 1977 | 59 |
| 1978 | 42 |
| 1979 | 54 |
| 1980 | 55 |
| 1981 | 57 |
| 1982 | 64 |
| 1983 | 63 |
| 1984 | 54 |
| 1985 | 66 |
| 1986 | 123 |
| 1987 | 147 |
| 1988 | 165 |
| 1989 | 166 |
| 1990 | 141 |
| 1991 | 126 |
| 1992 | 126 |
| 1993 | 89 |
| 1994 | 80 |
| 1995 | 62 |
| 1996 | 55 |
| 1997 | 42 |
| 1998 | 38 |
| 1999 | 38 |
| 2000 | 26 |
| 2001 | 32 |
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 19 |
| 2004 | 14 |
| 2005 | 17 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 17 |
| 2008 | 21 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 18 |
| 2011 | 21 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 24 |
| 2015 | 21 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 10 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 7 |