Jairus

“he will enlighten”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#2423US 2023

56Births / yr

↑Rising

2.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 193300

How to pronounce Jairus

HEYE·RUHS

/ˈhaɪ.ˈrəs/ · stress on HEYE · 2 syllables

“he will enlighten”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

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 #2423 in the US.

🌿

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 Grace

How popular is Jairus right now?

Rising fast — up 510 spots — currently #2423 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2023#2423 · Top 1.8%

1960

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	▲ up 365 · +67% births
1960	#3915	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Jairus

Best Year1990Rank #1414

Peak Count83

Average Rank#2286

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1960 - 202314 years

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:

Michael Christopher Matthew Joshua Tyler

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	46

💎With 2,507 total births, Jairus is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Jairus?

Common

JaiJairJairieJairyIrus

Famous people named Jairus

Jairus (historical community leader)

Jairus led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

Jairus (historical community leader)

Jairus led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

Jairus (historical figure)

Jairus bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

👑

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

Jainub

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Jaitun

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Jarus

Poland · strong warrior

Jaikub

Hebrew · Ya'akov, meaning 'supplanter'

Dairus

Persia · the one who

Kairus

Greece · the chosen one

Sairus

Persian · A variant of

Jaanus

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

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 HH AY1 R AH1 S. 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.