Declining since 2014, #2,604 for boys today.
Popularity of Jairus since 1933
Babies named Jairus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 26 |
| 1970s | 93 |
| 1980s | 373 |
| 1990s | 621 |
| 2000s | 690 |
| 2010s | 657 |
| 2020s | 276 |
Meaning & origin
Jairus is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, appearing in the New Testament as a synagogue leader whose daughter was healed by Jesus. With first recorded U.S. use in 1933, the name has held steady but never entered the mainstream top 1000. Its peak popularity came in 2015, but the name has been gradually falling since 2014. As of 2025, it ranks 2,604th, with approximately 1 in 34,162 boys receiving the name. Geographically, the name sees relative favor in Indiana, suggesting regional religious or cultural preferences. Jairus offers a distinctive choice with deep biblical roots, blending a soft sound with strong scriptural connections.
Jairus is the Latinized form of the Hebrew name Yair, meaning 'he enlightens' or 'God enlightens.' In the New Testament, Jairus is a synagogue leader whose daughter Jesus raises from the dead, a story that has kept the name in occasional Christian use. It has been used in the English-speaking world since the Protestant Reformation, though it remains relatively rare.
Where Jairus is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jay
Sibling names for Jairus
Names that share Jairus's style, for a brother or sister.
