Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jethro
BoyHebrew· “abundance”
- Meaning
- abundance
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- JEHTH-roh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #953
- US babies 2025
- 245
- Best rank
- #903 (1899)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Jethro
Jethro is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “abundance”.
Jethro is a Hebrew name usually explained as meaning abundance or excellence. In the Bible, Jethro is a Midianite priest and the father-in-law of Moses, who gave him wise advice on leading the people of Israel. The name was used by English Puritans and later in America. The English agricultural pioneer Jethro Tull bore it, and a rock band later borrowed his name. Jethro has a rustic, old-fashioned charm with a touch of quirkiness. Jet and Jeth are fun nicknames for this uncommon biblical name.
Popularity over time
Jethro first appears in US Social Security records in 1893. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 3 different years, starting in 1899. Its best national rank was #903 in 1899, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 245 were named Jethro. In 2025, 245 babies were named Jethro, and it ranked #953 nationally. That is 119% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,290 in 1920, #1,450 in 1950, #2,483 in 1980, #3,699 in 2000, #2,081 in 2010, and #953 in 2025. Of the 4,325 US boys named Jethro since records began, 26% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,078 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Isael, Nazir, Josias, Montgomery, and Zymir.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jethro ranked highest in Kansas, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | #412 | 9 |
| Minnesota | #492 | 11 |
| Pennsylvania | #564 | 17 |
| Wisconsin | #589 | 8 |
| Washington | #709 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Jethro is usually pronounced JEHTH-roh, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-ro”.
Middle names for Jethro
A few middle names that flow with Jethro: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jethro
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Lists that include Jethro
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jethro mean?
Jethro is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “abundance”.
What is the origin of the name Jethro?
Jethro has Hebrew roots. Jethro is a Hebrew name usually explained as meaning abundance or excellence.
Is Jethro a popular name?
Yes. Jethro ranked #953 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Jethro a boy or girl name?
Jethro is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Jethro?
Jethro is usually pronounced JEHTH-roh. 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