Jairus is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Yair," which means "enlightened" or "shining." The name Jairus is also associated with a prominent figure in the New Testament of the Bible, where it appears as one of the names of the synagogue ruler who asks Jesus to heal his daughter.
The name Jairus has a rich history and has been used by various notable figures throughout time. For instance, in the New Testament, Jairus is portrayed as a prominent member of the Jewish community who seeks help from Jesus for his gravely ill daughter. This story can be found in Luke 8:41-56 of the King James Version of the Bible.
In addition to its biblical significance, the name Jairus has also been used by several notable individuals throughout history. One such example is Jairus McDonald, a former American football player who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Overall, the name Jairus carries with it a strong sense of heritage and tradition, while also conveying a sense of enlightenment and illumination. Whether one chooses to name their child Jairus for its biblical significance or simply because they appreciate its unique sound, this name is sure to make a lasting impression.
The name Jairus has seen varied popularity over the decades in the United States. Between 1933 and 2023, there have been a total of 2,660 births registered for this name.
The earliest available data shows that only five babies were named Jairus in 1933. The usage of this name remained relatively low until the late 1960s when it started to gain traction, with eight births recorded in 1963 and seven in 1967.
A significant increase occurred between 1974 and 1979, with the highest number reaching nineteen births in 1978. This popularity continued into the early 1980s, peaking at forty-four births in both 1982 and 1985.
However, from 1986 onwards, there was a consistent decline in the number of babies named Jairus until it reached its lowest point in recent years with only forty-three births recorded in 2022. Despite this decline, the name still maintained some level of popularity throughout these decades.
In recent years, the number of births for the name Jairus has shown fluctuations but generally remained relatively stable, with fifty births or more each year between 2015 and 2021. The most recent data available shows that there were forty-six births in 2020 and fifty births in 2021.
Overall, while the name Jairus has experienced periods of higher and lower popularity over time, it has maintained a consistent presence as a choice for parents in the United States throughout these decades.