Find out how popular the first name Jester has been for the last 28 years (from 1989 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jester by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Jester is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Jester.

The history of the first name Jester

The name Jester has its origins in the Middle English word "jestour," which was derived from the Old French "gestour," meaning a reciter of tales or a jester. This profession was prominent in the medieval courts of Europe, particularly in France and England, where jesters were employed to entertain royalty and nobility with their wit, humor, and performances.

The earliest recorded use of the name Jester can be traced back to the 14th century, when it was used as a surname for individuals who held the occupation of a court jester. Over time, the name transitioned from being a profession to a given name, although its association with the art of entertaining and bringing joy remained.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Jester was a court jester named Jester de Ville, who served at the court of King Edward III of England in the 14th century. Another notable figure was Jester de Poitiers, a French jester who gained fame for his wit and clever wordplay during the reign of King Charles VI in the late 14th and early 15th centuries.

In literature, the name Jester has been used in various works, often as a character representing the role of a court jester. One of the most famous examples is the character of Touchstone in William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It," who is a wise and witty jester accompanying the exiled duke.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jester, including Jester Hairston (1901-2000), an American actor, composer, and choral conductor who contributed to the preservation of African American spirituals and folk music. Another prominent figure was Jester David Bradsher (1933-2004), an American writer and journalist who covered the civil rights movement and worked for various publications, including The New York Times.

In the realm of sports, Jester Weah (born 1987) is a former professional soccer player from Liberia who played for various clubs in Europe and the United States. Jester Felicia Sommers (born 1995) is an American track and field athlete who specializes in the high jump and has competed in international competitions.

While the name Jester may not be as common as it once was, it continues to carry a unique and playful connotation, reflecting the historical role of court jesters as entertainers and purveyors of laughter and wit.

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 Jester was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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