Find out how popular the first name Jairus has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jairus by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Jairus is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 56 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Jairus.

The history of the first name Jairus

The name Jairus has its origins in the ancient Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "Iaomai," which means "to heal." This suggests that the name may have been associated with healing or medical practitioners in ancient times.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jairus can be found in the New Testament of the Bible. In the Gospels of Mark and Luke, there is a reference to a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. He pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying daughter, and Jesus ultimately restored her to life. This biblical story is believed to have taken place around the 1st century AD.

In the early Christian era, the name Jairus gained popularity among believers, as it was associated with the biblical figure and the miraculous healing performed by Jesus. It was particularly common in regions with strong Christian traditions, such as parts of Europe and the Middle East.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Jairus was Jairus of Arles, a 6th-century bishop who lived in what is now southern France. He is considered a saint in the Catholic Church and is known for his efforts in promoting Christianity in the region.

Another notable figure with the name Jairus was Jairus Ogan, an early American Baptist minister and educator who lived from 1768 to 1826. He was a prominent figure in the establishment of the Baptist Church in Virginia and played a significant role in the founding of several educational institutions.

In the 19th century, Jairus Wilcox (1804-1869) was an American inventor and businessman who patented several innovative designs for cooking stoves and heating systems. His inventions contributed to the improvement of household appliances and heating technologies during the Industrial Revolution.

Jairus Banaji (1850-1938) was an influential Indian scholar and social reformer. He was a prominent figure in the Parsi community and worked tirelessly to promote education and social progress in British India.

Jairus Hiyo (1920-2002) was a renowned Kenyan politician and activist. He played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence in Kenya and served as a member of parliament, representing the interests of his community and advocating for democratic reforms.

While the name Jairus has its roots in ancient Greek and biblical traditions, it has been used across various cultures and regions throughout history, often carrying associations with healing, religion, and notable achievements in various fields.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Jairus was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Jairus, please contact us.

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