Declining since 2003, #1,193 for boys today.
Popularity of Jair since 1971
Babies named Jair per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 54 |
| 1980s | 154 |
| 1990s | 710 |
| 2000s | 2,934 |
| 2010s | 2,170 |
| 2020s | 1,236 |
Meaning & origin
Jair is a biblical name with roots in the Hebrew tradition, appearing in the Old Testament as a judge and a figure in the Book of Esther. Its meaning is typically understood as 'he shines' or 'God enlightens,' though scholarly debate exists. In the United States, the name first appeared on the Social Security Administration's records in 1971 and saw a steady rise in use, peaking in 2003 as the 998th most popular name. Since then, its popularity has gradually declined; by 2025 it ranked 1,193rd, with an occurrence rate of 1 in every 10,048 births. The name has been most popular in Maryland, Texas, and Illinois. Jair is sometimes used as a variant of Yair (the modern Hebrew form) or Jairus (the Greek New Testament form). Its succinct, two-syllable sound and strong biblical heritage make it a distinctive choice that remains connected to its ancient origins.
Jair appears in the Hebrew Bible as a judge of Israel and the father of Mordecai in the Book of Esther. The name is derived from the Hebrew verb 'or' (to shine) or may be a theophoric name meaning 'God enlightens.' It has been used occasionally in English-speaking countries since the Puritan era but gained modest popularity in the United States in the late 20th century.
Where Jair is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Jair” around the world
Where Jair lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jay
Sibling names for Jair
Names that share Jair's style, for a brother or sister.
