Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jerry
BoyEnglish, Germanic· “pet form of Gerald or Jeremiah”
- Meaning
- pet form of Gerald or Jeremiah
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- JEH-ree
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #907
- US babies 2025
- 262
- Best rank
- #14 (1940)
- Peak year
- 1947
Meaning and origin of Jerry
Jerry is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “pet form of Gerald or Jeremiah”.
Jerry started as a nickname for several names, including Gerald, Gerard and Jeremiah. Gerald and Gerard are Germanic names built on ger, spear, while Jeremiah comes from Hebrew and is often read as Yahweh will exalt. Over time Jerry became an independent name, especially in the United States in the mid-twentieth century. Famous bearers include the comedian Jerry Seinfeld and the musician Jerry Garcia, and the cartoon mouse of Tom and Jerry added a playful note. Today Jerry has a warm, retro feel, and it pairs nicely with a more formal middle name.
Other spellings with the same sound: Jeri, Gerry, Jerri, Geri, Jerrie, Gerri, Jere, Gerrie.
Popularity over time
Jerry 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 #14 in 1940, and the most babies received it in 1947, when 18,794 were named Jerry. In 2025, 262 babies were named Jerry, and it ranked #907 nationally. That is 57% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #144 in 1920, #24 in 1950, #94 in 1980, #264 in 2000, #384 in 2010, and #907 in 2025. Of the 615,102 US boys named Jerry since records began, 27% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 136,567 babies. Since 2010, 7,898 more have been named Jerry.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Wayne, Willie, Jimmy, Roy, and Johnny.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jerry ranked highest in Arkansas, Indiana, and Oklahoma.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Jerry is usually pronounced JEH-ree, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with J and ends in “-ry”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Jeri, Gerry, Jerri, and Geri.
Middle names for Jerry
A few middle names that flow with Jerry: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jerry
Similar names
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Lists that include Jerry
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jerry mean?
Jerry is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “pet form of Gerald or Jeremiah”.
What is the origin of the name Jerry?
Jerry has English and Germanic roots. Jerry started as a nickname for several names, including Gerald, Gerard and Jeremiah.
Is Jerry a popular name?
Yes. Jerry ranked #907 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Jerry a boy or girl name?
Jerry is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Jerry?
Jerry is usually pronounced JEH-ree. 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