The Baby Name Jared: Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Jared is a classic male name with Hebrew origins, meaning "descent" or "he who descended." It has remained a popular choice for parents over the decades, ranking among the top 500 names for baby boys in the United States.

Origin and Variations

The name Jared traces its roots back to the Book of Genesis in the Bible, where it refers to the father of Enoch. In the original Hebrew, the name is spelled יָרֶד (Yared). Common alternative spellings include Jerad, Jarod, and Jered.

Popularity and Trends

Jared has enjoyed steady popularity in the U.S. over the past century. It reached its peak rank of #36 in the 1990s, when it was a favorite among parents seeking a strong, traditional name for their sons. Though its usage has declined somewhat since then, Jared remains a consistently popular choice, ranking #378 on the 2022 list of most popular baby names.

Notable Name Bearers

Some notable people sharing the name Jared include:

• Jared Leto, Oscar-winning actor and musician known for his roles in films like "Dallas Buyers Club" and "Suicide Squad"
• Jared Diamond, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and professor of geography known for his influential works like "Guns, Germs, and Steel"
• Jared Kushner, an American businessman and senior advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump

Name Style and Traits

Jared is considered a classic, masculine name that has appealed to a wide range of parents over the years. It has a strong, dependable sound that often resonates with parents seeking a name with traditional roots. Jared is associated with qualities like intelligence, ambition, and reliability.

Flow and Cadence

The name Jared has a smooth, three-syllable flow that pairs well with a variety of middle and last names. Some examples of full names with Jared include:

• Jared Thomas Miller
• Jared Alexander Clark
• Jared Christopher Williamson

Cultural References

In the Bible, Jared was the father of Enoch, who was said to have walked with God. The name also appears in the ancient writings of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Outside of religious context, Jared is sometimes referenced in popular culture, such as the character Jared Padalecki played on the TV series "Gilmore Girls" and "Supernatural."

Similar and Sibling Names

If you're drawn to the name Jared, you may also appreciate other strong, classic boy names with Hebrew origins, such as:

• Jacob
• Nathan
• Noah
• Joshua
• Ethan

Alternatively, parents seeking a more modern spin on the name may want to consider variations like Jayden, Jayson, or Jaxton.