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Jeremiah

♂ Boy

Pronounced jair-uh-MY-uh /ˌdʒɛr.əˈmaɪ.ə/High

Meaning: God will exalt; appointed by God — from Hebrew Yirmeyahu, from rum (to exalt) + YahwehHigh

In 30 seconds: A resonant Hebrew name meaning 'God will exalt,' borne by one of the great Old Testament prophets. Jeremiah combines profound Biblical weight with a warm, rollicking four-syllable rhythm.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningGod will exalt; appointed by God — from Hebrew Yirmeyahu, from rum (to exalt) + Yahweh
Peak year2010
Total births (all-time)≈ 190,478

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201018802017

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

History & Origin

Jeremiah comes from the Hebrew Yirmeyahu, built from rum (to exalt) and the divine name Yahweh. The prophet Jeremiah (7th–6th century BC) wrote one of the longest books in the Hebrew Bible.

Jeremiah was widely used among Puritan settlers in New England and has remained a steady presence in American baby name data. It has risen significantly in the 21st century, now ranking in the top 100 boys' names.

Did you know? The word jeremiad — a long, mournful complaint or lamentation — derives from the Prophet Jeremiah, whose book is famous for its laments over the destruction of Jerusalem.

Variations

JeremyJeremiasYirmeyahu

Nicknames

JerryJerRemy

Famous Bearers

  • ★Jeremiah (Prophet) (c. 650–570 BC)
    Major prophet of the Hebrew Bible, author of the Book of Jeremiah and the Book of Lamentations.

If you like Jeremiah…

Elijah— Old Testament prophet name with the same powerful Hebrew gravitas
Isaiah— Hebrew prophet name with the same sweeping four-syllable presence
Nathaniel— long Hebrew Biblical name with the same full dignified feel
Malachi— minor prophet name with the same ancient fire and modern revival

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jeremiah mean?

Jeremiah comes from the Hebrew Yirmeyahu, meaning 'God will exalt' or 'appointed by God,' from rum (to exalt) and Yahweh.

How do you pronounce Jeremiah?

It is said jair-uh-MY-uh /ˌdʒɛr.əˈmaɪ.ə/ — four syllables, stress on the third.

Is Jeremiah a boy or girl name?

Jeremiah is used exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Jeremiah?

Jeremiah has been a consistent U.S. top-100 boys' name in the 21st century.