Jerediah is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew name "Yered," which means "to descend" or "to go down." This name has a rich history that dates back to biblical times.
In the Old Testament, Jerediah is mentioned as one of the sons of King Zedekiah, who ruled over the Kingdom of Judah during its fall to Babylon in 587 BCE. Although Jerediah's story is not extensively documented in the Bible, his name has been passed down through generations and has become a symbol of royal lineage.
The name Jerediah was also popular among early Christians, likely due to its biblical origins. Saint Jeremiah, whose name shares the same root as Jerediah, was a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and is celebrated on September 30th. This association with saintliness may have contributed to the enduring popularity of this name over time.
In modern times, Jerediah has seen a resurgence in usage, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Jerediah has consistently ranked among the least common boys' names in recent years, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful.
Overall, Jerediah is a name with a deep-rooted history that spans centuries and cultures. Its Hebrew origins give it a strong foundation in biblical tradition, while its rare usage today makes it a unique and memorable choice for those who wish to honor this ancient lineage while standing out from the crowd.
The name Jerediah has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past four decades. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was a relatively common choice for newborn boys, with eight babies named Jerediah each year from 1979 to 1980. However, its popularity began to decline after that period.
By 2015, the number of annual births with the name Jerediah had decreased significantly, with only six new bearers in that year. This downward trend continued into the recent past, as there were just five babies named Jerediah in 2020.
In total, over the span of these four decades, there have been 27 boys named Jerediah born in the United States. While its popularity has certainly waned since its peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it is still a unique name with a small but dedicated following among parents who choose it for their sons.