Jerome is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Greek name "Hieronymos," which consists of two elements: "hieros" meaning "sacred" and "onuma" meaning "name." Therefore, Jerome translates to "sacred name."
The name Jerome has been popular throughout history, particularly among the early Christians. Saint Jerome, born around 340 AD in Stridon, was one of the most renowned figures associated with this name. He is celebrated as a theologian, historian, and Doctor of the Church. Saint Jerome was known for his scholarly pursuits and his translation of the Bible into Latin, which became the official language of the Western Church.
In terms of its usage throughout history, Jerome has been a popular male given name in various European countries, including France, Italy, Spain, and England. In some cultures, it is also used as a surname. Today, while not as common as it once was, Jerome remains a recognizable and respected name choice for boys.
In literature and art, the name Jerome has appeared frequently. For instance, Jerome is the central character in "The Life of Saint Jerome" by Jacobus de Voragine. In more modern times, Jerome is also the name of the main character in Mark Twain's novel "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court." These appearances in literature contribute to the name's enduring popularity and recognition.
In summary, Jerome is a name of Latin origin that translates to "sacred name." It has been popular throughout history due to its association with Saint Jerome and has been used as both a given name and surname. Despite not being as prevalent today as it once was, Jerome remains a respected and recognizable name choice for boys.
Between 1912 and 1993, the name Jerome was given to a total of 1062 newborn babies in the United States. The number of annual births with this name varied greatly over this period.
In the early years, from 1912 to 1920, there were fewer than 20 births per year with the name Jerome. However, starting in 1924, there was a notable increase in the popularity of this name, with more than 20 births each year until 1930.
The peak years for the name Jerome were between 1952 and 1960, when there were consistently over 20 births per year. The highest number of births recorded during this period was in 1960, with a total of 28 babies named Jerome.
After 1960, the popularity of the name began to decline again, with fewer than 20 births per year until the late 1970s. There were only 5 births recorded with the name Jerome in 1993, indicating a significant decrease in its popularity by the end of this period.
Overall, while the name Jerome has had periods of popularity and decline over the years, it remains a classic and timeless choice for parents looking to give their child a unique and distinguished name.