Jeremy is a masculine given name of English origin. It comes from the medieval English name Jeremiah, which was derived from the Hebrew name "Yereme-yahu." In Hebrew, Yereme-yahu means "God will exalt," or alternatively, "appointed by God."
The name Jeremy first appeared in English literature during the late 14th century, when it was used as a character's name in the popular Middle English romance poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." However, its use as a given name did not become common until the mid-20th century.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jeremy. One of the most famous is Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), an English philosopher and social reformer who is best known for his work on utilitarianism. Another notable figure is Jeremy Irons, a British actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows.
Today, Jeremy remains a popular choice among parents seeking unique yet classic names for their sons. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it was one of the top 500 most popular boy names in the United States during the years 2014-2020.
In conclusion, Jeremy is an English name with Hebrew origins that means "God will exalt" or "appointed by God." While its use as a given name was not widespread until relatively recently, it has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history and remains popular today.
"The name Jeremy experienced significant growth in popularity from the mid-20th century onwards, with a substantial increase occurring between 1965 and 1976, reaching its peak in 1977 with over 21,000 births. However, since then, the usage of the name has declined steadily, reaching an all-time low in recent years, with fewer than 1,500 births annually."