The name Jeronimo has its origins in the Late Latin name Hieronymus, derived from the Greek name Hieronymos. This name can be traced back to the Classical Greek era, from around the 5th century BCE to the 5rd century CE. Hieronymos is composed of the elements hieros, meaning "sacred," and onyma, meaning "name." Essentially, the name means "sacred name" or "holy name."

The name Hieronymus was borne by several early Christian saints and scholars, the most famous being St. Jerome (c. 347-420 CE). St. Jerome was a Christian priest, confessor, theologian, and historian who is best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate. His scholarly works had a profound influence on the development of Christianity in the West.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jeronimo comes from the 12th century. Jerónimo de Santa Fe (1350-1419) was a Spanish Jewish convert to Christianity who engaged in public disputations with Jewish scholars, arguing for the truth of Christianity. He played a significant role in the religious controversies of his time.

In the 16th century, Jerónimo Zurita (1512-1580) was a renowned Spanish historian and chronicler who wrote extensively on the history of Aragon and Spain. His works are considered among the most important sources on Spanish history from that period.

Another notable figure was Jerónimo de Ayanz y Beaumont (1553-1613), a Spanish inventor and engineer who is credited with designing one of the earliest steam-powered machines. His work laid the groundwork for the development of the steam engine.

In the 17th century, Jerónimo de Pasamonte (1553-1622) was a Spanish writer and soldier who is best known for his picaresque novel, "The Life of Jerónimo de Pasamonte." The novel provides a vivid portrayal of the life of a soldier and adventurer during the Golden Age of Spanish literature.

Jeronimo de Aguilar (c. 1489-1531) was a Spanish sailor who was shipwrecked and captured by Maya people on the Yucatán Peninsula in 1511. He lived among the Maya for eight years and played a crucial role as an interpreter during the Spanish conquest of Mexico, facilitating communication between the Spanish and indigenous populations.

These are just a few examples of notable figures throughout history who bore the name Jeronimo, illustrating its rich historical and cultural significance across various fields, including religion, literature, history, and exploration.