Jeremiah: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Jeremiah mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Hebrew: God will uplift
English: Appointed by God

Gender: Male

Syllables: 4

Pronunciation: The name Jeremiah is pronounced jeh-ruh-MY-uh

The name Jeremiah has been derived from the Hebrew name Yirmeyahu, meaning "God will uplift" or "appointed by God". It is primarily associated with the Biblical prophet Jeremiah, known for his prophecies and laments. This classic and spiritual name has maintained its popularity over centuries, symbolising faith and divine promise.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Biblical: From the Hebrew name Yirmeyahu (meaning "appointed by God"), borne by a Biblical prophet of the 7th–6th centuries B.C., whose story, prophecies of judgement, and lamentations are recorded in the book of the Bible that bears his name.

Jeremiah in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Jeremiah Johnson from Jeremiah Johnson - A mountain man who tries to live away from society after the Mexican-American War.
Jeremiah Valeska from Gotham - A character from the Batman prequel series, who becomes a notorious criminal mastermind.
Jeremiah Danvers from Supergirl - The father of Supergirl and a scientist, who becomes involved in various secret activities.
Jeremiah Gottwald from Code Geass - A character in the anime series known for his unwavering loyalty and commanding presence.
Jeremiah Collins from Dark Shadows - A character from the horror soap opera, part of a gothic family with many dark secrets.

Popularity of the Name Jeremiah

According to Social Security Administration data, Jeremiah has enjoyed consistent popularity in the United States over the years. Recently, it holds a strong position within the top 100 baby names, reflecting its enduring appeal among new parents.

Historically, the name Jeremiah is well-known due to the Biblical prophet Jeremiah, a major figure in religious texts. In contemporary culture, notable bearers of the name include actor Jeremiah Brent, known for his work on interior design shows, and Jeremiah S. Chechik, a film director best known for his work on National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Fictional characters named Jeremiah also appear across various media, such as Jeremiah Johnson in the eponymous Jeremiah Johnson movie and Jeremiah Valeska in the TV series Gotham. It's also a popular name choice for Charles Dickens, who chose the name for both A Tale of Two Cities and Little Doritt. The name’s staying power is further evidenced by its presence in literature, music, and television.