Jeremy is a masculine given name of English origin. It comes from the medieval English name Jeremiah, which was derived from the Hebrew name "Yereme-yahu." In Hebrew, Yereme-yahu means "God will exalt," or alternatively, "appointed by God."
The name Jeremy first appeared in English literature during the late 14th century, when it was used as a character's name in the popular Middle English romance poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." However, its use as a given name did not become common until the mid-20th century.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jeremy. One of the most famous is Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), an English philosopher and social reformer who is best known for his work on utilitarianism. Another notable figure is Jeremy Irons, a British actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows.
Today, Jeremy remains a popular choice among parents seeking unique yet classic names for their sons. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it was one of the top 500 most popular boy names in the United States during the years 2014-2020.
In conclusion, Jeremy is an English name with Hebrew origins that means "God will exalt" or "appointed by God." While its use as a given name was not widespread until relatively recently, it has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history and remains popular today.
The name Jeremy has been quite popular in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its usage since the 1960s. Between 1923 and 2023, there have been a total of 443,944 births registered for the name Jeremy in the US.
The earliest data available shows that the name was relatively uncommon during the early 20th century, with fewer than 20 births recorded each year between 1923 and 1958. However, starting from the late 1950s, there was a gradual increase in the number of babies named Jeremy.
The most significant growth in popularity occurred during the 1960s and 1970s, with the number of births reaching triple digits annually since 1967. The peak years for the name Jeremy were 1975 and 1976, when there were 20,132 and 21,611 births respectively. This trend continued throughout most of the 1980s, with over 15,000 births recorded each year.
However, since the late 1980s, there has been a steady decline in the popularity of the name Jeremy. By the early 2000s, the number of annual births had dropped to around 4,000, and this trend has continued into the 2010s and 2020s. Despite this decrease in usage, Jeremy remains a classic and timeless name that is still chosen by many parents today.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Jeremy has fluctuated over time, it has remained a widely used name in the United States for several decades. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its strong sound, its historic popularity, and its versatility as both a first and middle name.