Jaeger is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "jagare," which translates to "hunter." It was traditionally used as a surname for hunters or gamekeepers, but has become increasingly popular as a given name in recent years. The name carries a strong and adventurous spirit, reflecting its hunting heritage. In Scandinavia, particularly Norway and Denmark, Jaeger is often associated with the outdoors and rugged lifestyle due to its historical usage among rural communities and royal families. Today, it is recognized as a unisex name, though it remains more common for boys. The name's popularity has seen peaks in various countries, including Norway, Germany, and the United States, although it maintains a relatively rare status worldwide.
The name Jaeger experienced a significant rise in popularity between 1997 and 2002, with the highest number of births occurring in 2002 at 47. Since then, the frequency of the name has been relatively stable, fluctuating between approximately 20 to 40 births per year, except for notable spikes in 2015 (33 births) and 2022 (25 births). Overall, there were a total of 798 babies named Jaeger from 1993 to 2023.