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Jerome Boy

Popularity: #781 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationjuh-ROM / /dʒəˈroʊm/

Latin; Greek

Meaning

Latin: 'sacred name'; Greek: 'to be exalted'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Jerome originates from the Greek name Hieronymos, which is composed of the elements 'hieros,' meaning 'sacred,' and 'onoma,' meaning 'name.' This name was Latinized as Hieronymus and subsequently became Jerome in English through Old French influences. The transition into English occurred during the Middle Ages, particularly as Latin texts were translated and disseminated throughout Europe, making the name more accessible to English speakers.

A significant historical milestone associated with the name Jerome is Saint Jerome, a prominent Christian scholar and translator of the late 4th and early 5th centuries. He is best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate, which became the standard text for the Roman Catholic Church for many centuries. His works and teachings were influential in the development of Christian theology and biblical scholarship, and he is recognized as a Doctor of the Church. The feast day of Saint Jerome is celebrated on September 30, further cementing the name's religious significance.

Culturally, the name Jerome has been associated with wisdom and scholarly pursuits, reflecting the legacy of Saint Jerome as a translator and theologian. The name has been used in various literary and artistic contexts, often symbolizing a connection to knowledge and spirituality. Diminutive forms such as Jerry have emerged over time, but the original form retains a strong historical and cultural resonance. Overall, Jerome embodies a rich linguistic heritage and a deep-rooted significance in Christian history.

Trend Summary

Jerome has experienced a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Jeromy
  • Gerome

International Variants

  • Geronimo (Spanish)
  • Girolamo (Italian)
  • Jérôme (French)

Famous people named Jerome

Jerome Bettis is a former professional American football player best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and winning Super Bowl XL.

Jerome K. Jerome is an author best known for the comic novel Three Men in a Boat.

Jerome Robbins was a choreographer and director best known for West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and The King and I.

Jerome Powell is an economist best known for serving as the Chair of the Federal Reserve.

Jerome C. Rousseau is a designer best known for his work in luxury footwear and collaborations with various fashion brands.

Fictional characters named Jerome

Jerome is a fictional character from the TV series Gotham. He is a key antagonist known for his chaotic personality and as a precursor to the Joker.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Jerome was first seen in the United States in 1880. Jerome has ranked as high as #240 nationally, which occurred in 1954, and has been most popular in New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Jerome has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Jerome (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 10
12%
TX 10
12%
FL 8
10%
GA 8
10%
NY 7
9%
VA 6
7%
IL 6
7%
PA 6
7%
TN 5
6%
WI 5
6%
IN 5
6%
NC 5
6%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188052
188138
188243
188336
188437
188553
188650
188734
188835
188948
189064
189141
189245
189350
189443
189558
189676
189760
189850
189964
190085
190168
190268
190393
1904102
190587
1906102
190799
1908127
1909141
1910196
1911212
1912486
1913554
1914737
1915907
1916985
19171,073
19181,146
19191,109
19201,285
19211,408
19221,423
19231,487
19241,575
19251,563
19261,612
19271,686
19281,751
19291,663
19301,768
19311,747
19321,668
19331,693
19341,773
19352,009
19361,967
19371,979
19382,209
19392,153
19402,178
19412,156
19422,340
19432,308
19441,953
19451,840
19462,286
19472,689
19482,591
19492,769
19502,830
19512,990
19523,045
19533,079
19543,113
19553,083
19563,062
19573,003
19582,803
19592,697
19602,672
19612,633
19622,771
19632,662
19642,316
19652,144
19661,944
19671,797
19681,685
19691,671
19701,723
19711,707
19721,546
19731,449
19741,416
19751,437
19761,412
19771,363
19781,371
19791,360
19801,385
19811,364
19821,307
19831,234
19841,180
19851,211
19861,166
19871,180
19881,127
19891,034
19901,018
1991915
1992900
1993801
1994728
1995644
1996599
1997534
1998578
1999513
2000462
2001470
2002472
2003412
2004414
2005429
2006429
2007417
2008400
2009359
2010306
2011306
2012336
2013294
2014287
2015268
2016270
2017255
2018252
2019242
2020211
2021188
2022181
2023186
2024143