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Jethro Boy

Popularity: #724 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationJETH-roh / /ˈdʒɛθroʊ/

Hebrew; English

Meaning

Hebrew: 'excellence'; English: 'he who is praised'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Jethro has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the word "Yitro," which is often interpreted to mean "excellence" or "overflow." The name appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Exodus, where Jethro is identified as the father-in-law of Moses. This biblical connection has significantly influenced the name's historical and cultural significance, as Jethro is recognized for his wisdom and guidance, particularly in advising Moses on matters of leadership and governance. The name transitioned into Greek as "Iethros" and later into Latin, maintaining its association with the biblical figure, before being adopted into Old French and subsequently into Middle English as "Jethro."

Throughout history, Jethro has been referenced in various religious texts and translations, including the Septuagint and the Vulgate, which helped solidify its presence in Christian tradition. The King James Bible, published in the early 17th century, further popularized the name in English-speaking contexts, preserving its biblical heritage and ensuring its continued recognition. Jethro's role as a wise counselor in the Exodus narrative has led to the name being associated with wisdom and guidance in various cultural contexts.

Culturally, Jethro has resonated through various interpretations and adaptations, often symbolizing the importance of mentorship and the value of wise counsel. The name has been embraced in different forms across cultures, with diminutive variations like "Jet" emerging in some contexts. Jethro's enduring legacy is tied to its biblical origins and the moral lessons associated with the character, ensuring that it remains a name of significance in religious and historical discussions.

Trend Summary

Jethro has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable resurgence in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Jeth
  • Jett

International Variants

  • Yitro (Hebrew)

Famous people named Jethro

Jethro Tull is a musician best known for Aqualung, Thick as a Brick, and Songs from the Wood.

Fictional characters named Jethro

Jethro Gibbs is a fictional character from the TV series NCIS. He is the special agent in charge of the NCIS Major Case Response Team, known for his leadership and investigative skills.

Jethro is a fictional character from the animated series The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. They are a recurring character who often serves as a friend and classmate to Jimmy and his group.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Jethro was first seen in the United States in 1893. Jethro has ranked as high as #1159 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, North Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Jethro has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Jethro (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 20
15%
CA 13
10%
FL 12
9%
WA 11
8%
MI 8
6%
WI 8
6%
AZ 8
6%
IA 7
5%
PA 7
5%
IL 7
5%
NY 6
5%
IN 6
5%
NV 5
4%
OH 5
4%
ID 5
4%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18935
18997
19007
19045
19076
19085
19095
191010
191112
191218
191329
191426
191520
191620
191732
191826
191936
192032
192133
192223
192346
192433
192530
192636
192728
192820
192915
193020
193124
193222
193322
193425
193521
193618
193715
193811
193916
194020
194120
194222
194320
194420
194521
19468
194717
194826
194934
195026
195125
195224
195328
195425
195522
195623
195727
195827
195913
196012
196112
196218
19639
19649
196511
19668
19678
19689
196911
197015
197114
197217
197314
197423
197513
197619
197718
197818
197919
198020
198121
198212
198320
198412
198518
198624
198716
198820
198916
199017
199117
199222
199321
199420
199515
199617
199714
199820
199921
200022
200118
200227
200316
200423
200526
200631
200732
200830
200962
201065
201173
201275
201387
2014103
2015112
2016137
2017116
2018159
2019151
2020139
2021155
2022181
2023189
2024201