MallowbyNames

Jericho

JERR-ih-koh · City of the moon or fragrant place; of debated origin.

2025 rank (boys)
#883
Babies named in 2025
269
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 6,350 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 1986

Rising since 1986, #883 for boys today.

Popularity of Jericho since 1970

Babies named Jericho per year in U.S. Social Security records.

90179269198020002020Most births 2025GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1970s0140
1980s101277
1990s79695
2000s441,285
2010s582,067
2020s971,514

Meaning & origin

Jericho entered the U.S. baby name charts in 1970 and has seen a steady climb in usage ever since, particularly rising from 1986 onward. In 2025, it ranked 883 with an incidence of 1 in 6,350 boys, marking its peak year so far. The name's appeal likely stems from its biblical resonance as the ancient city of Jericho, combined with its modern sound. It is most popular in states like South Dakota, New Mexico, and Nevada, reflecting a broad geographic spread. Jericho remains a distinctive choice that balances historical weight with contemporary style.

Jericho is a biblical place name, derived from the Hebrew Yericho (יְרִיחוֹ). Its meaning is uncertain, possibly related to the Hebrew word yareach (moon) or from reiach (fragrance). As a given name, it emerged in the late 20th century, particularly among families seeking a strong, place-derived name from the Old Testament. Jericho is also famously known as the ancient city destroyed by Joshua's trumpets.

Where Jericho 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.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Jerry, Rico, J

Variants: Yericho

Sibling names for Jericho

Names that share Jericho's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

J is for Jericho, our favorite little boy.

J is for Jericho…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Jericho's letter becomes Jericho's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Jericho's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does Jericho mean?
The exact meaning of Jericho is uncertain, but it is often understood to mean 'city of the moon' or 'fragrant place'.
How popular is the name Jericho?
As of 2025, Jericho ranked 883 in the United States, with about 1 in 6,350 baby boys given the name. Its popularity has been rising since 1986.
Is Jericho a boy's name or a girl's name?
Jericho is typically used as a boy's name, though it can be unisex.