Jerome Boy
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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 10 | |
TX | 10 | |
FL | 8 | |
GA | 8 | |
NY | 7 | |
VA | 6 | |
IL | 6 | |
PA | 6 | |
TN | 5 | |
WI | 5 | |
IN | 5 | |
NC | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 52 |
1881 | 38 |
1882 | 43 |
1883 | 36 |
1884 | 37 |
1885 | 53 |
1886 | 50 |
1887 | 34 |
1888 | 35 |
1889 | 48 |
1890 | 64 |
1891 | 41 |
1892 | 45 |
1893 | 50 |
1894 | 43 |
1895 | 58 |
1896 | 76 |
1897 | 60 |
1898 | 50 |
1899 | 64 |
1900 | 85 |
1901 | 68 |
1902 | 68 |
1903 | 93 |
1904 | 102 |
1905 | 87 |
1906 | 102 |
1907 | 99 |
1908 | 127 |
1909 | 141 |
1910 | 196 |
1911 | 212 |
1912 | 486 |
1913 | 554 |
1914 | 737 |
1915 | 907 |
1916 | 985 |
1917 | 1,073 |
1918 | 1,146 |
1919 | 1,109 |
1920 | 1,285 |
1921 | 1,408 |
1922 | 1,423 |
1923 | 1,487 |
1924 | 1,575 |
1925 | 1,563 |
1926 | 1,612 |
1927 | 1,686 |
1928 | 1,751 |
1929 | 1,663 |
1930 | 1,768 |
1931 | 1,747 |
1932 | 1,668 |
1933 | 1,693 |
1934 | 1,773 |
1935 | 2,009 |
1936 | 1,967 |
1937 | 1,979 |
1938 | 2,209 |
1939 | 2,153 |
1940 | 2,178 |
1941 | 2,156 |
1942 | 2,340 |
1943 | 2,308 |
1944 | 1,953 |
1945 | 1,840 |
1946 | 2,286 |
1947 | 2,689 |
1948 | 2,591 |
1949 | 2,769 |
1950 | 2,830 |
1951 | 2,990 |
1952 | 3,045 |
1953 | 3,079 |
1954 | 3,113 |
1955 | 3,083 |
1956 | 3,062 |
1957 | 3,003 |
1958 | 2,803 |
1959 | 2,697 |
1960 | 2,672 |
1961 | 2,633 |
1962 | 2,771 |
1963 | 2,662 |
1964 | 2,316 |
1965 | 2,144 |
1966 | 1,944 |
1967 | 1,797 |
1968 | 1,685 |
1969 | 1,671 |
1970 | 1,723 |
1971 | 1,707 |
1972 | 1,546 |
1973 | 1,449 |
1974 | 1,416 |
1975 | 1,437 |
1976 | 1,412 |
1977 | 1,363 |
1978 | 1,371 |
1979 | 1,360 |
1980 | 1,385 |
1981 | 1,364 |
1982 | 1,307 |
1983 | 1,234 |
1984 | 1,180 |
1985 | 1,211 |
1986 | 1,166 |
1987 | 1,180 |
1988 | 1,127 |
1989 | 1,034 |
1990 | 1,018 |
1991 | 915 |
1992 | 900 |
1993 | 801 |
1994 | 728 |
1995 | 644 |
1996 | 599 |
1997 | 534 |
1998 | 578 |
1999 | 513 |
2000 | 462 |
2001 | 470 |
2002 | 472 |
2003 | 412 |
2004 | 414 |
2005 | 429 |
2006 | 429 |
2007 | 417 |
2008 | 400 |
2009 | 359 |
2010 | 306 |
2011 | 306 |
2012 | 336 |
2013 | 294 |
2014 | 287 |
2015 | 268 |
2016 | 270 |
2017 | 255 |
2018 | 252 |
2019 | 242 |
2020 | 211 |
2021 | 188 |
2022 | 181 |
2023 | 186 |
2024 | 143 |