Jethro is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "excellence" or "abundance." It was borne by several figures in the Bible, most notably Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses. Historically, it has been used sparingly, contributing to its rarity and distinctiveness today. In recent years, however, there has been a slight increase in its usage, perhaps due to its unique sound and biblical roots. The name Jethro is also sometimes associated with the character Jethro Bodine from the popular television series "The Beverly Hillbillies." Despite this pop culture connection, Jethro remains a name that is most often linked with its biblical heritage and the idea of excellence or abundance.
The name Jethroe has a distinct history of usage in the United States. According to available records, this name was given to five newborns in the year 1918 and six babies in 1951. This indicates that while it may not have been a highly popular choice, it did have some presence during these specific years. The total number of births with this name over these two years combined is eleven. Despite its relatively low frequency, each child bearing the name Jethroe contributed to the unique tapestry of American naming traditions in their respective eras.