For parents seeking a name with deep history that doesn’t feel archaic, Jared is a contender that deserves a second look. It bridges the gap between the Old Testament and the modern playground with ease.
Verdict: Jared is an excellent choice for a baby born in 2025 because it offers familiarity without overuse. As the “ultra-popular” biblical names like Liam and Noah saturate classrooms, Jared stands out as a handsome, under-utilized alternative that everyone knows how to spell and pronounce.
Jared Overview
- Meaning: The Hebrew translation of the name Jared is “to descend.”
- Gender: Jared is mostly a male name, but can be used for girls, who would take on the feminine Hebrew meaning “rose.”
- Origin: The origin of the name Jared is Hebrew. Jared was a man in the Bible, a close descendent of Adam and Eve.
- Pronunciation: “JEH-rid.”
- Popularity: The name is ranked the 394th most popular boys name in the United States.
- Nicknames: Jar, Jay, Jayrad, Jer, Jeri, Jerry.
- Variations: Garrett, Gerard, Jareth, Jarid, Jarrett, Jarrod, Jerod, and Yared.
- Namesakes: Jared Diamond, American geographer; (Jared) Drake Bell, American actor; Jared Leto, American actor.
What Does Jared Mean?
The name Jared is steeped in ancient history and carries a meaning that is often misunderstood. Derived from the Hebrew root Yered, it translates to “to descend,” “descent,” or “one who descends” (1).
While “descent” might sound abstract, many etymologists believe this refers to a physical descent, specifically from a higher elevation to a lower one. In a historical context, this is often linked to the “descent” of the Jordan River. There is also a more spiritual interpretation found in various rabbinical traditions suggesting it refers to the “descent” of angels to earth during Jared’s lifetime, or a metaphor for humility; someone who steps down to help others.
Therefore, rather than a negative decline, the name implies a grounded nature, humility, and a connection to the earth.
Where Does the Name Jared Come From?
Jared is a quintessential biblical boy’s name with origins in the Book of Genesis. The Bible mentions the name Jared in Genesis 5:15-20. He is a primary patriarch, descending in the sixth generation from Adam and Eve. He was the father of Enoch and the grandfather of Methuselah.
Jared holds a unique record in biblical genealogy: he was the second oldest man to ever live, reaching the age of 962. His family line is defined by longevity and spiritual significance. His son, Enoch, was one of the few figures who “walked with God” and was taken to heaven without experiencing death. His grandson, Methuselah, holds the record for the longest human lifespan at 969 years.
The name is of Hebrew origin, coming from the Hebrew male name יֶרֶד, or Yereḏ (2). Historically, the name also appears in Greek as Ἰάρετ (Iáret).
While sometimes conflated with the Germanic boy name Gerard (3), the two have distinct etymologies. Gerard implies “brave with a spear” (from ger meaning spear and hard meaning brave). However, because of their similar sounds, they are often cross-referenced in genealogy.
How Popular is the Name Jared?
Jared is the definition of a “modern classic.” According to US Social Security Administration data, it is currently ranked the 394th most popular name for boys in the United States (4).
The name experienced a massive surge in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, eventually peaking in the year 2000 when it reached #56. For nearly three decades, Jared was a staple in American classrooms. In recent years, it has cooled off significantly, moving out of the Top 100 and Top 200. This current ranking is actually a positive for new parents; it means the name is universally recognized and easy to spell, but your child is unlikely to share the name with three other boys in his kindergarten class.
How Do I Pronounce Jared?
The standard English pronunciation of Jared is JEH-rid or JAIR-ed. It is a two-syllable name with the emphasis on the first syllable.
Because the name has been popular in English-speaking countries for decades, mispronunciation is extremely rare.
Is Jared a Boy or Girl Name?
The name Jared is widely considered a masculine name. In the United States, it has almost exclusively been used for boys.
However, linguistic coincidences exist. The Hebrew word for “rose” is Vered, which can sound similar to Jared. Consequently, if parents decide to name their daughter Jared, the name takes on this more feminine Hebrew association. Despite this, it remains a statistical rarity for girls.
Variations of Jared
While Jared is the standard English spelling, the name has traveled through various cultures and languages, picking up new forms along the way:
- Yared (Hebrew/Ethiopian)
- Iared (Greek Biblical)
- Yarid (Arabic)
- Jarod (English Variation)
- Jarrod (English Variation)
- Jareth (Literary/Pop Culture)
Nicknames for Jared
Jared is a compact, two-syllable name, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with nicknames. Here are common and creative options:
Common Nicknames:
- Jay: A classic initial nickname.
- Jer: The standard short form.
- Jerry: A retro option.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Red: Pulled from the ending sound of the name.
- Jed: A rugged, cowboy-style contraction of the letters.
- J-Rod: A sporty, energetic option.
Names Similar to Jared
If you love the vibe of Jared, solid, biblical, and approachable, but want something slightly different, consider these names that share a similar style or sound:
- Caleb: Like Jared, this is an Old Testament name that feels perfectly at home in the modern world.
- Ethan: Shares the strong, Hebrew origin and classic feel.
- Jason: Shares the initial “J” and the soft-but-strong consonant structure.
- Seth: Another understated biblical name that isn’t overused.
- Joel: A soft, two-syllable name with ancient roots.
- Aaron: A timeless classic that pairs well with Jared.
- Nathan: Friendly, approachable, and traditional.
- Micah: A slightly softer alternative with the same biblical heritage.
Middle Names for Jared
Jared is a versatile first name that pairs well with long, syllabic middle names or strong, one-syllable anchors.
Classic Middle Names
These pairings lean into the traditional, timeless nature of the name.
Modern & Nature-Inspired
These middle names give Jared a fresher, more contemporary edge.
Strong One-Syllable Middle Names
Because Jared ends in a soft consonant, a punchy middle name often flows best.
- Jared Blake
- Jared Scott
- Jared Paul
- Jared Luke
- Jared Hayes
Sibling Names for Jared
Creating a sib-set requires balancing the era and the origin. Jared fits best with other names that were popular in the 90s/00s or other stable biblical choices.
For a Brother:
For a Sister:
Famous People Named Jared
Jared has significant representation in Hollywood and academia. Here are a few of the most notable figures:
- Jared Leto: An Academy Award-winning American actor and frontman of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars.
- Jared Padalecki: American actor best known for his role as Sam Winchester in the long-running series “Supernatural.”
- Jared Goff: American football quarterback who has played for the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions.
- Jared Diamond: renowned American geographer, historian, and author of “Guns, Germs, and Steel.”
- Jared Harris: Distinguished British actor known for roles in “Mad Men,” “The Crown,” and “Chernobyl.”
Jared in Pop Culture
- Jared Dunn: A fan-favorite, loyal, and eccentric character from the HBO series “Silicon Valley.”
- Jared Cameron: A shape-shifter and member of the wolf pack in the “Twilight” saga.
- Jared Kleinman: A central character from the Broadway hit musical “Dear Evan Hansen.”
- Jared Vasquez: A detective character from the TV show “Manifest.”
FAQs About the Name Jared
Did we answer all your questions? If not, check below for the answers to some frequently asked questions about the name Jared.
What Are the Chances That My Son, Jared, Will Go to School With Another Jared?
Since the name, Jared was ranked 394th most popular in the U.S., and since the average class elementary size is 482, the likelihood of your son going to school with another Jared is about 10% (5).
What Feeling Does the Name Jared Give?
The name Jared gives the image of someone strong, yet soft. It sounds modern, even though it comes from the Bible, one of the oldest writings in the world. Jared sounds like a person who would be a strong leader.
How Many Babies Were Named Jared in the Year 2021?
The name Jared ranked the 394th most popular boy’s name in 2021. Around 800 babies were named Jared that year, making up roughly 4% of the boys born in 2021.
What Does Jared Have To Do With Mormons?
The Church of the Latter-Day Saints believes that another Jared, a descendent of the aforementioned Jared, lived during the time of the Tower of Babel (2242 BC) (6). Jared was a prophet of the Book of Mormon and the one who led the “Jaredites” to the promised land.
Is Jared Considered an Outdated Name?
Jared is not considered outdated, but it is often viewed as a “millennial” name. Because it peaked in 2000, it is more common among young adults than newborns today. However, its biblical roots prevent it from feeling trendy or ephemeral; it falls more into the “modern classic” category than the “dated” category.
What Are the Most Common Spellings of Jared?
While “Jared” is the dominant spelling, variations include Jarod, Jarrod, and Jerod. The double-r spelling (Jarrod) was somewhat popular in the mid-20th century, influenced by the name’s similarity to Garrett, but the single-r, biblical spelling remains the standard.
Does the Name Jared Have a Spiritual Meaning?
Yes, beyond the literal translation “to descend,” the name is often associated with spiritual service. In rabbinic tradition, the generation of Jared was when angels descended to earth to instruct mankind. Thus, the name can symbolize a bridge between the divine and the earthly.
Can Jared Be Short for Something Else?
Typically, Jared is a standalone name. However, historically it has occasionally been used as a short form or nickname for names like Gerard or Jareth. In modern usage, almost all boys named Jared have it as their full legal name.
Why Is Jared a Good Name for a Baby Boy?
Jared is an excellent choice because it is familiar without being overused. It offers the dignity of a biblical patriarch but fits seamlessly into secular contexts. It is easy to spell, pronounce, and pairs well with a wide variety of surnames.
