What does Jairus mean and where does it come from?
The name Jairus (יָאִיר) has its roots in Hebrew, meaning 'he will enlighten' or 'he will awaken.' It is primarily known from the New Testament of the Bible, where Jairus is a synagogue leader who seeks Jesus' help to heal his daughter. The name carries significant historical and religious weight, a
Cultural significance
Jairus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of he will enlighten.
Peak popularity
Reached #1358 in 1994 — currently #2622 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Jairus?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Jairus?
Jairus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Jairus Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Jairus Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Jairus Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Jairus Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Jairus Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Jairus Kai
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Jairus right now?
Rising fast — up 1019 spots — currently #2622 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2622 | 50 | ▲ up 1019 · +61% births |
| 2024 | #3641 | 31 | ▼ down 1218 · -45% births |
| 2023 | #2423 | 56 | ▲ up 510 · +30% births |
| 2022 | #2933 | 43 | ▼ down 332 · -14% births |
| 2021 | #2601 | 50 | ▲ up 84 · +9% births |
| 2020 | #2685 | 46 | ▼ down 881 · -45% births |
| 2015 | #1804 | 83 | ▲ up 125 · +14% births |
| 2010 | #1929 | 73 | ▼ down 109 · +3% births |
| 2005 | #1820 | 71 | ▼ down 136 · +4% births |
| 2000 | #1684 | 68 | ▼ down 92 · +17% births |
| 1995 | #1592 | 58 | ▼ down 178 · -8% births |
| 1990 | #1414 | 63 | ▲ up 101 · +43% births |
| 1985 | #1515 | 44 | ▲ up 621 · +76% births |
| 1980 | #2136 | 25 | ▲ up 1414 · +150% births |
| 1975 | #3550 | 10 | — |
The story of Jairus
Jairus entered American naming records in 1933 and has been in use for over 91 years. With 2,507 total births recorded, Jairus remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3915 in 1960 to #2423 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Jairus in 1994:
Jairus by decade
Jairus peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 26 | |
| 1970s | 93 | |
| 1980s | 373 | |
| 1990s | 621 | |
| 2000s ★ | 689 | |
| 2010s | 654 | |
| 2020s | 127 | |
💎With 2,507 total births, Jairus is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Jairus?
Common
JaiJairJairieJairyIrus
Famous people named Jairus
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Jairus (historical community leader)
Jairus led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
J(
Jairus (historical community leader)
Jairus led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
J(
Jairus (historical figure)
Jairus bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Jairus?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jairus also consider these
How is Jairus written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Jairus
What does the name Jairus mean?
Jairus means "he will enlighten" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Jairus?
Jairus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Jairus?
Jairus originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Jairus?
Jairus is a two-syllable name pronounced HEYE-RUHS. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Jairus a common or rare name?
Jairus is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.