Home › Baby Names Directory › Jethro

Jethro

♂ Boy

Pronounced JETH-roh /ˈdʒɛθ.roʊ/High

Meaning: From Hebrew Yitro meaning abundance, excellence, or he will excel, borne by the father-in-law of Moses and a Midianite priest in the Book of ExodusHigh

In 30 seconds: Jethro is a distinctive Old Testament name meaning abundance or excellence. Borne by the wise father-in-law of Moses, it has a rustic strength beloved in English folk and rock culture thanks to Jethro Tull.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighHebrew
MeaningFrom Hebrew Yitro meaning abundance, excellence, or he will excel, borne by the father-in-law of Moses and a Midianite priest in the Book of Exodus
U.S. rank (2025)#953 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births245 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 4,322

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518932025

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

History & Origin

In the Book of Exodus, Jethro was the Midianite priest and father-in-law who gave Moses wise counsel on governance, advising him to delegate leadership to qualified subordinates. His wisdom made him one of the Bible's notable non-Israelite figures.

The name was used in England from the Protestant Reformation onward, when Old Testament names gained popularity. It has a strongly rural, English character and gained cultural resonance through the Jethro Tull band and the agricultural reformer.

Did you know? Jethro Tull, the British rock band formed in 1967, took its name not from the band members but from the 18th-century English agricultural pioneer Jethro Tull (1674–1741), who invented the horse-drawn seed drill.
Overall data confidence 89%
Behind the Name — Jethro — Hebrew etymology and biblical historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

YitroJetro

Nicknames

Jeth

Famous Bearers

  • ★Jethro Tull (1674–1741)
    English agricultural pioneer who perfected a horse-drawn seed drill and advocated improved farming methods that helped transform British agriculture during the early 18th century.

If you like Jethro…

Ezra— same distinctive Old Testament name with Hebrew prophetic gravitas
Silas— shares the rustic biblical charm and two-syllable masculine strength
Amos— same Old Testament prophet name with a brief, bold sound
Caleb— shares the biblical Hebrew heritage and rugged, approachable feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jethro mean?

Jethro means abundance or excellence from Hebrew Yitro. Jethro was the wise Midianite father-in-law of Moses in the Book of Exodus.

How do you pronounce Jethro?

It is said JETH-roh, with two syllables and stress on the first.

Is Jethro a common name?

Jethro is uncommon but has a strong identity, particularly in England and among fans of rustic or Old Testament names.

Why is Jethro Tull a famous name?

Jethro Tull is both an 18th-century English agricultural pioneer and a famous British rock band formed in 1967, which took its name from him.