The name Jeremy has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture. It is derived from the Hebrew name Yeremeyahu or Yeremeyah, which means "appointed by God" or "Yahweh has uplifted." The name can be traced back to ancient times and is found in the Old Testament of the Bible.

Jeremy is a variant of the name Jeremiah, which was the name of one of the major prophets in the Bible. The Book of Jeremiah, which is part of the Old Testament, chronicles the life and teachings of the prophet Jeremiah, who lived in the 7th century BC during the time of the Babylonian conquest of Judah.

The name Jeremy gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages, particularly after the Norman Conquest in 1066. It was a common name among the Norman nobility, and it spread throughout Britain and other parts of Europe.

Some notable historical figures named Jeremy include Jeremy Bentham, an English philosopher, jurist, and social reformer who lived from 1748 to 1832. He is best known for his utilitarian theory of ethics and his advocacy for the reform of prisons and the legal system. Another famous Jeremy was Jeremy Taylor, an English cleric, writer, and theologian who lived from 1613 to 1667. He was a influential preacher and a prominent figure in the Church of England during the 17th century.

Jeremy Collier, an English writer and non-juror who lived from 1650 to 1726, is also noteworthy. He was known for his criticism of the English stage and his efforts to reform the theater. Jeremy Diddler, a fictional character created by the American writer James Kirke Paulding in the early 19th century, became a popular cultural reference and a symbol of financial deception and trickery.

In the 20th century, notable individuals named Jeremy include Jeremy Brett, an English actor best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the TV series "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" (1984-1994). Jeremy Irons, an English actor born in 1948, is another prominent figure, having won an Academy Award for his performance in the film "Reversal of Fortune" (1990).