Rising since 1996, #952 for boys today.
Popularity of Jethro since 1893
Babies named Jethro per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 12 |
| 1900s | 28 |
| 1910s | 229 |
| 1920s | 296 |
| 1930s | 194 |
| 1940s | 208 |
| 1950s | 240 |
| 1960s | 107 |
| 1970s | 170 |
| 1980s | 179 |
| 1990s | 184 |
| 2000s | 287 |
| 2010s | 1,078 |
| 2020s | 1,113 |
Meaning & origin
Jethro is a biblical name with a long but modest history of use in the United States. First recorded in Social Security data in 1893, the name remained uncommon throughout the 20th century. However, it has been rising in popularity since 1996, and in 2025 reached its peak rank of 952, with an estimated 1 in 6,972 boys receiving the name. The name is most popular in Kansas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Its steady climb suggests a growing appreciation for this distinctive Old Testament choice, which carries a strong, patriarchal sound and the approachable nickname Jet.
Jethro is a name of Hebrew origin, appearing in the Bible as the father-in-law of Moses, a priest of Midian. The meaning is uncertain, though some scholars have proposed connections to the Hebrew root ytr, meaning 'to be abundant or excellent.' The name was notably adopted by English Puritans in the 17th century and has seen occasional use in English-speaking countries since then.
Where Jethro is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jet
Sibling names for Jethro
Names that share Jethro's style, for a brother or sister.
