Juri is a name of Russian origin, derived from the Greek name George. The name George itself comes from the Greek word "georgios," which means "farmer" or "earthworker." Therefore, Juri can be interpreted as meaning "earthworker" or "farmer."
The name Juri has been used in Russia and other Slavic countries for centuries, with its popularity peaking during the late 19th to early 20th centuries. It was particularly common among the nobility and intelligentsia of Imperial Russia.
One famous bearer of the name Juri is Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who became the first human to journey into outer space on April 12, 1961. His achievement made him a national hero in the Soviet Union and solidified his place in history as one of the most renowned individuals with the name Juri.
Today, Juri remains popular among Russian-speaking communities around the world. It is often used interchangeably with its more familiar cousin George in other languages. Despite its roots in Russian culture, Juri has also been embraced by people from various backgrounds who appreciate its unique sound and meaning.
The name Juri experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike in recent times. From 1982 to 2005, the number of births ranged between 5 and 7 annually. However, starting from 2008, there was a steady increase in popularity, reaching a peak of 24 births in 2021. Overall, there have been 243 babies named Juri since 1982.