All about the name

Jeremiah

Female

« Jeremiah is a Hebrew name meaning "appointed by God," derived from the word "Yeremiya" and popularized during the Protestant Reformation. »

#13987 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Jeremiah is a name of Hebrew origin that means "appointed by God." It is derived from the Hebrew word "Yeremiya," which consists of "yerem" meaning "exalted" and "yah" referring to God. In the Old Testament of the Bible, Jeremiah was one of the major prophets who predicted the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity. The name Jeremiah first gained popularity during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century when it was embraced by those who sought a more biblical approach to naming their children. It has since been used throughout Europe and North America, with its peak usage being in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In literature and art, Jeremiah is often depicted as a tragic figure due to his prophecies of doom that went unheeded by his contemporaries. However, he is also admired for his unwavering faith and commitment to God's message. Some notable figures named Jeremiah include the American author Jeremiah Johnson, who wrote about the American frontier experience, and Jeremiah Weeks, an American astronomer known for discovering several comets. Overall, Jeremiah is a strong and distinctive name with deep biblical roots that carries a sense of gravity and seriousness due to its association with prophecy. Despite this, it has been used widely enough to avoid feeling overly religious or stuffy, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a meaningful name with a touch of uniqueness.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Jeremiah since 1880

Total births
683
Total since 1880
Peak year
2004
36 births
in 2022
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-21%
vs previous 5 years