Jerry
Jerry is a boy's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Exalted by God, or ruler with a spear (depending on root name).
Origin and history
Jerry is traditionally a diminutive of Jeremiah, Gerald, or Jerome, meaning 'exalted by God' or 'ruler with a spear'. It became a highly popular independent given name in the United States during the mid-20th century. Although its usage for newborns has declined significantly in recent decades, it remains a classic American staple.
Popularity in the United States
615,102 babies in the United States have been named Jerry since 1880. It ranks #52 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #736.
States where it is most popular
- TX (8.7 %)
- CA (6.6 %)
- OH (5.2 %)
- NC (4.9 %)
- IL (4.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 1,106 |
| 1890-1900 | 1,140 |
| 1900-1910 | 1,636 |
| 1910-1920 | 6,486 |
| 1920-1930 | 17,449 |
| 1930-1940 | 80,690 |
| 1940-1950 | 167,257 |
| 1950-1960 | 136,567 |
| 1960-1970 | 93,544 |
| 1970-1980 | 48,351 |
| 1980-1990 | 25,755 |
| 1990-2000 | 16,577 |
| 2000-2010 | 10,646 |
| 2010-2019 | 5,918 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,980 |
Famous people named Jerry
- Jerry Seinfeld: Comedian, Actor
- Jerry Rice: Athlete, Football Player
- Jerry Garcia: Musician, Guitarist
Fun facts
- Jerry was a top-20 boys' name in the United States throughout much of the 1930s and 1940s.
- The name originally developed as a pet form for several distinct names including Jeremiah, Gerald, and Jerome.