Jere
a form of Gerald, meaning 'ruler with a spear'
Finland origin · Unisex name
79% boys21% girls
#948US 2023
1.3kBirths / yr
Stable
5.4kAll-time births
📅 Since 191900
How to pronounce Jere
JIR
/ˈdʒɪr/ · stress on JIR · 1 syllable
a form of Gerald, meaning 'ruler with a spear'
Finland origin · Unisex name

What does Jere mean and where does it come from?

Jere is a name originating in Finland and Estonia, often considered a feminine variation of the name Gerald. In Finnish, it relates to 'ruler with a spear', derived from Germanic elements. Though traditionally a male name in many cultures, Jere has increasingly been adopted as a female name, reflect

Cultural significance
Jere has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Finland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a form of gerald, meaning 'ruler with a spear'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1419 in 1947 — currently #948 in the US.
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Related Reading
Finland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Jere?

Jere works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Jere Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Jere Rose
Floral · soft ending
Jere Mae
Sweet · timeless
Jere Claire
French influence · crisp
Jere Jane
Literary · strong
Jere Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Jere
Browse ideas →

How popular is Jere right now?

Holding steady — currently #948 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 19302023#948 · Top 0.70%
1940
1945
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#9481,252▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022#9531,232▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021#9581,202▲ up 12478 · +23940% births
1995#134365▼ down 4913 · -44% births
1990#85239▼ down 155 · +29% births
1985#83687▼ down 917 · -12% births
1980#74518▲ up 578 · +33% births
1975#80296▼ down 923
1970#71066▼ down 2579 · -33% births
1965#45279▼ down 1693 · -53% births
1960#283419▼ down 1293 · -57% births
1955#154144▲ up 423 · +83% births
1950#196424▼ down 210 · +4% births
1945#175423▼ down 266 · -15% births
1940#148827

The story of Jere

Jere entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 5,432 total births recorded, Jere remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2326 in 1930 to #948 in 2023. Jere is used for both genders: 21% female and 79% male.

Names that peaked alongside Jere in 1947:

Jere by decade

DecadeBirths
1880s5
1890s7
1910s97
1920s322
1930s1,027
1940s1,287
1950s1,152
1960s702
1970s285
1980s332
1990s127
2000s66
2010s18
2020s5
💎With 5,432 total births, Jere is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Jere?

Common
JerJerieJery

Common questions about the name Jere

What does the name Jere mean?
Jere means "a form of Gerald, meaning 'ruler with a spear'" — a name rooted in Finland 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 Jere?
Jere is currently ranked #948 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Jere?
Jere originates from Finland tradition. Finland 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 Jere?
Jere is a one-syllable name pronounced JH IH1 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Jere sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Jere flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Jere ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.