Jared

♂ Boy

Pronounced JAIR-ed /ˈdʒɛər.ɪd/High

Meaning: From Hebrew Yered meaning descent or to come down; a biblical patriarch in the Book of Genesis who lived 962 yearsHigh

In 30 seconds: Jared is a solid Hebrew biblical name meaning 'descent,' borne by one of the longest-lived patriarchs in Genesis and enjoying decades of steady popularity in the United States.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighHebrew

MeaningFrom Hebrew Yered meaning descent or to come down; a biblical patriarch in the Book of Genesis who lived 962 years

U.S. rank (2025)#396 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births804 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1998

Total births (all-time)≈ 206,343

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Jared derives from Hebrew Yered, meaning descent or to descend. In the Book of Genesis (5:18), Jared was the father of Enoch and an antediluvian patriarch noted for his extraordinary longevity.

The name became popular in the 1960s–80s in the United States, aided by its Biblical pedigree and its friendly, approachable sound. It remains a recognized classic.

Did you know? According to the Book of Genesis, Jared lived 962 years — making him the second-longest-lived person in the Bible after Methuselah, and one of the antediluvian patriarchs who walked the earth before the flood.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Jared — etymology and biblical historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

YeredJarrodJarod

Nicknames

Jare

Famous Bearers

★Jared Leto (1971–present)
American actor and musician, Academy Award winner for Dallas Buyers Club.

If you like Jared…

Caleb— shares the Hebrew biblical heritage and mid-century American popularity

Jason— fellow biblical-era name with similar 1970s-80s peak popularity

Ethan— shares the Old Testament roots and contemporary wearability

Seth— another short Hebrew patriarch name with the same clean, biblical feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jared mean?

Jared comes from Hebrew Yered meaning descent or to come down.

How do you pronounce Jared?

It is said JAIR-ed /ˈdʒɛər.ɪd/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Jared a biblical name?

Yes, Jared was an antediluvian patriarch in the Book of Genesis and the father of Enoch.

Is Jared still popular?

Jared was very popular in the U.S. from the 1970s through the 1990s and remains in moderate use.