A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Jed since 1913
Babies named Jed per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 44 |
| 1920s | 68 |
| 1930s | 139 |
| 1940s | 299 |
| 1950s | 1,084 |
| 1960s | 1,065 |
| 1970s | 1,950 |
| 1980s | 1,579 |
| 1990s | 812 |
| 2000s | 716 |
| 2010s | 693 |
| 2020s | 496 |
Meaning & origin
Jed is a short, straightforward name with deep biblical roots as a diminutive of Jedidiah, meaning 'beloved of the Lord.' Despite its ancient origins, Jed saw its peak popularity in the United States in 1978, when it ranked highest among all recorded years. Since 2007, the name has been on a gradual upward trajectory, reflecting the broader trend of vintage and biblical short-form names gaining favor. The name remains most concentrated in states like Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Ohio. With a current rank of 1992 in 2025 and approximately 1 in 22,475 boys receiving the name, Jed is a distinctive but familiar choice that balances heritage with approachability.
Jed originated as a diminutive of Jedidiah, a Hebrew name meaning 'beloved of Yahweh' (from yedid 'beloved' and Yah). In the Old Testament, Jedidiah was the name given to Solomon by the prophet Nathan. The short form Jed emerged in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, as an independent given name by the early 20th century. It saw a peak in use during the 1970s and has experienced a revival since the 2000s.
Where Jed 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.
“Jed” around the world
Where Jed lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Jed
Names that share Jed's style, for a brother or sister.
