William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Jeremiah
BoyHebrew· “Yahweh will exalt”
- Meaning
- Yahweh will exalt
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- jeh-ruh-MY-uh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #88
- US babies 2025
- 3,840
- Best rank
- #49 (2011)
- Peak year
- 2010
Meaning and origin of Jeremiah
Jeremiah is a Hebrew name that means “Yahweh will exalt”.
Jeremiah comes from the Hebrew Yirmeyahu, often translated "Yahweh will exalt" or "Yahweh has uplifted". Jeremiah was a major prophet of the Hebrew Bible who warned Jerusalem of its coming destruction by Babylon in the sixth century BC. The Book of Lamentations is traditionally attributed to him, and "jeremiad" became an English word for a long, mournful complaint. The name was a favorite of the Puritans and passed into American usage early. Jeremy is the medieval English form. Today Jeremiah feels warm and strong, blending biblical depth with a friendly sound, and Jerry is a traditional nickname.
Popularity over time
Jeremiah has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #49 in 2011, and the most babies received it in 2010, when 7,743 were named Jeremiah. In 2025, 3,840 babies were named Jeremiah, and it ranked #88 nationally. That is 44% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #541 in 1920, #525 in 1950, #76 in 1980, #102 in 2000, #51 in 2010, and #88 in 2025. Of the 225,674 US boys named Jeremiah since records began, 30% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 55,672 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Chase, Brayden, Landon, Max, and Giovanni.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jeremiah ranked highest in Hawaii, New Mexico, and Alaska.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #29 | 22 |
| New Mexico | #45 | 32 |
| Alaska | #60 | 12 |
| Mississippi | #61 | 37 |
| Florida | #66 | 304 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Jeremiah is usually pronounced jeh-ruh-MY-uh, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with J and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Jeremiah
A few middle names that flow with Jeremiah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jeremiah
Similar names
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nee-uh-MY-uh
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za-kuh-RY-uh
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oh-buh-DY-uh
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Noah Boy
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Elijah Boy
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Isaiah Boy
eye-ZAY-uh
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Josiah Boy
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Micah Boy
MY-kuh
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Jonah Boy
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Judah Boy
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Alijah Boy
uh-LY-juh
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Azariah Unisex
a-zuh-RY-uh
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Lists that include Jeremiah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jeremiah mean?
Jeremiah is a Hebrew name that means “Yahweh will exalt”.
What is the origin of the name Jeremiah?
Jeremiah has Hebrew roots. Jeremiah comes from the Hebrew Yirmeyahu, often translated "Yahweh will exalt" or "Yahweh has uplifted".
Is Jeremiah a popular name?
Yes. Jeremiah ranked #88 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Jeremiah a boy or girl name?
Jeremiah is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Jeremiah?
Jeremiah is usually pronounced jeh-ruh-MY-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings