Jerome is a male given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name "Ieronymus," which was itself derived from the Greek name "Hieronymos." The name Hieronymos is composed of two elements: "hieros," meaning "sacred" or "holy," and "onuma," meaning "name." Therefore, Jerome means "sacred name."
The name Jerome gained popularity in the Middle Ages due to Saint Jerome, a theologian and historian born around 347 AD. Saint Jerome is known for translating the Bible into Latin, a version that became the official text of the Catholic Church for many centuries. As a result, he is considered one of the most influential figures in Christian history.
Throughout history, many notable individuals have borne the name Jerome. Some examples include:
* Jerome Bonaparte (1784-1860), an illegitimate son of Napoleon Bonaparte
* Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927), an English writer and humorist best known for his novel "Three Men in a Boat"
* Jerome David Salinger (1919-2010), an American author and reclusive literary figure who wrote the classic novel "The Catcher in the Rye"
The name Jerome has been used consistently throughout history, with its popularity waxing and waning over time. In recent years, it has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Overall, Jerome is a strong and distinguished name with a rich historical background, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for a meaningful and unique name for their child. Its meaning, "sacred name," adds to its significance and appeal.
The statistics presented show the annual number of births with the name Jerome in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
Starting in the late 19th century, the name Jerome began to gain popularity, with the highest number of births recorded in 1896 at 76. However, it was not until the early 20th century that the name started to see a significant increase in usage. In 1912, there were 486 births with the name Jerome, marking a substantial jump from previous years.
The name reached its peak popularity in the United States between 1952 and 1955, with over 3000 births each year during this period. This trend continued until the late 1960s, with over 2000 births annually throughout much of that decade.
However, starting in the early 1970s, there was a noticeable decline in the popularity of the name Jerome. By the mid-1980s, the number of births with this name had dropped to around 1000 per year. This downward trend continued into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with fewer than 500 births recorded annually between 1996 and 2004.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Jerome has remained relatively consistent in recent years, with around 250 to 300 births per year from 2010 to 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 160922 births with the name Jerome in the United States since 1880.
While these statistics do not provide any information about the meaning or origin of the name Jerome, they do offer insights into its historical popularity and trends over time. It is clear that while the name has had periods of significant popularity, it has also experienced declines in usage. However, despite fluctuations in its popularity, the name Jerome remains a distinct and recognizable choice for parents in the United States.