Find out how popular the first name Jex has been for the last 18 years (from 2005 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jex by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Jex is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Jex.

The history of the first name Jex

The name Jex has its origins in ancient Celtic cultures, particularly among the Britons and Gauls who inhabited parts of modern-day Britain, France, and surrounding regions. It is believed to be derived from the Proto-Celtic root *jogu-, meaning "to move" or "to stir." This root gave rise to various Celtic names, with Jex emerging as a shortened or contracted form.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jex can be found in the writings of the Roman historian Tacitus, who chronicled the life of a Briton chieftain named Jexobogus in the 1st century AD. This suggests that the name was already in use among the Celtic populations of Britain during the Roman conquest.

In the Middle Ages, the name Jex appeared occasionally in various regions of Europe, particularly in areas with strong Celtic influences. One notable bearer of the name was Jex de Villebois, a French knight who participated in the Third Crusade alongside Richard the Lionheart in the late 12th century.

During the Renaissance period, the name Jex gained some prominence in certain literary circles. The English playwright and poet Ben Jonson, born in 1572, included a character named Jex in his satirical play "The Devil is an Ass," first performed in 1616. This literary reference suggests that the name was still in use, albeit likely rare, in early modern Britain.

In the 19th century, the name Jex surfaced in historical records related to the American Civil War. Jex P. Skinner, born in 1833, was a Union Army officer who fought in several major battles, including the Battle of Gettysburg. His service during the war has been documented in various military records and historical accounts.

Another notable bearer of the name Jex was the British artist and illustrator Jex Lawson, born in 1856. He was known for his intricate illustrations in books and magazines, contributing to publications such as The Strand Magazine and The Idler during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

While the name Jex has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, it has persisted in various cultural and historical contexts, reflecting its ancient Celtic roots and occasional appearances in literature, military records, and artistic circles.

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

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

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