Holding steady.
Popularity of Jayr since 1994
Babies named Jayr per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 61 |
| 2010s | 38 |
| 2020s | 12 |
Meaning & origin
Jayr is a modern respelling of the biblical name Jair, which first appeared in U.S. records in 1994. Its usage peaked in 2004, ranking lower than top 1000 names, and has remained stable since then. The name's Hebrew origin ties it to an ancient judge of Israel, but the spelling reflects a contemporary preference for unique phonetic variants. Jayr has not been recorded in any top states, indicating its rarity and niche appeal. Parents choosing Jayr often seek a distinctive name that sounds familiar yet stands out, blending Old Testament roots with modern style.
Jayr is a contemporary respelling of the biblical name Jair, which appears in the Old Testament as the name of a Gileadite judge (Judges 10:3-5) and a son of Manasseh (Numbers 32:41). The original Hebrew form (Yair) means 'he will enlighten' or 'God gives light.' The Jayr spelling, replacing the initial J with a Y sound, emerges in late 20th-century English-speaking naming practices, particularly in the United States, as parents sought distinctive phonetic variations.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jay
Sibling names for Jayr
Names that share Jayr's style, for a brother or sister.
