Jarek

♂ Boy

Pronounced YAH-rek /ˈjɑ.rɛk/Medium

Meaning: Short form of Jaroslav — from Slavic jar, 'fierce, strong, spring', plus slav, 'glory' — 'fierce glory'Medium

In 30 seconds: Fierce glory: Jarek is a Slavic 'strong glory' (short for Jaroslav). Crisp, bold, and warm.

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Origin MediumSlavic

MeaningShort form of Jaroslav — from Slavic jar, 'fierce, strong, spring', plus slav, 'glory' — 'fierce glory'

U.S. rank (2025)#4777 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births21 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2000

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,627

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Jarek is a short form of Jaroslav — from Slavic jar, 'fierce, strong; spring', plus slav, 'glory' — 'fierce glory'. A crisp, bold name across Poland and the Slavic world; the J is said 'Y'.

In the U.S. it appears in Slavic families. Rare, fierce-glory at the root, and bold.

Did you know? Jarek shortens Jaroslav — Slavic jar ('fierce, strong, spring') plus slav ('glory') — 'fierce glory'; a crisp, bold name (note the J is said 'Y').

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Jaroslav — root etymology

Variations

JaroslavJaroslawJarosław

Nicknames

Jaro

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Jarek…

Marek— a companion -arek name

Darek— another -arek Slavic name

Zarek— a fellow Slavic choice

Ivaan— shares Jarek's Slavic roots

Yakov— shares Jarek's Slavic roots

Explore names like Jarek

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Jarek mean?

Jarek shortens Jaroslav — Slavic 'fierce glory'.

How do you pronounce Jarek?

It's said YAH-rek /ˈjɑ.rɛk/ — two syllables, stress on the first (the J is 'Y').

Is Jarek a boy or girl name?

Jarek is a boy's name.

How popular is Jarek?

Jarek is a rare name in the U.S.