Jeriah is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "yeriyah," which means "God will enlighten." The name Jeriah is often associated with the biblical figure Jeremiah, one of the major prophets in the Old Testament.
The name Jeremiah appears several times in the Bible, notably as the prophet who lived during the reign of King Josiah and witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem. However, the variation Jeriah is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. It is believed to have been created as a variant spelling or pronunciation of Jeremiah over time.
Despite its biblical origins, the name Jeriah has gained popularity beyond religious circles. Today, it is often chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaningful origin. According to some sources, Jeriah has been more commonly used as a boy's name in recent years, although it can also be given to girls.
In terms of popularity, Jeriah is not one of the most common names. In the United States, for instance, it ranks among the less frequent names given to newborns each year. This rarity may contribute to its allure for some parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
Overall, Jeriah is an intriguing and meaningful name with roots in ancient Hebrew culture and history. Its unique spelling and pronunciation set it apart from other biblical names, making it an attractive choice for those looking for something different yet significant.
The name Jeriah has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the number of annual births with this name.
From 1996 to 2023, there were a total of 358 babies named Jeriah born in the U.S. The first year for which we have data is 1996, with only five births recorded. The following year, 1997, saw an increase to nine births.
The years 1998 and 2000 experienced a slight decline, with eight and seven births respectively. However, there was a notable increase in 1999 and 2003, with eleven births each year.
The year 2006 marked a significant peak in popularity for the name Jeriah, with twenty-three babies being born that year. This trend continued into the next few years, with eighteen births recorded in 2008 and fifteen births in both 2009 and 2010.
After 2010, there was a steady decline in popularity for the name Jeriah until it reached its current level of popularity. In recent years, the number of annual births with this name has fluctuated between eight to twenty births per year, indicating that while not extremely popular, Jeriah remains a recognizable and used name choice among parents in the United States.
It's fascinating to observe how the popularity of names can ebb and flow over time, reflecting cultural trends and individual choices. Despite its ups and downs in popularity, the name Jeriah continues to be chosen by parents for their children year after year.