Jérôme

From Greek for “sacred name,” tied to Saint Jerome.

Jérôme – Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity & Similar Names

JÉRÔME is a French form of a Greek name meaning “sacred name,” often symbolizing spiritual depth and learned wisdom. This page explores its meaning and symbolism, cultural origins, gender use, popularity over time, and related names.

Gender Male
Origin Greek,French
Meaning Sacred,holy
Popularity Uncommon

Meaning of the Name Jérôme

The name Jérôme comes from the ancient Greek word “hierōnymos,” often interpreted as holy or sacred and linked to name or word. As a result, Jérôme carries the sense of a holy or sacred identity, suggesting someone with a spiritual calling, a wisdom-oriented outlook, and a deep respect for tradition and meaning in life.

How to Pronounce Jérôme in French

/ʒe.ʁom/ - Jérôme

zhay-ROHM

Cultural and Historical Origin of Jérôme

The name Jérôme is the French form of Jerome, derived from the ancient Greek “Hieronymos,” meaning “sacred name.” It gained prominence through **Saint Jerome**, a key early Christian scholar and translator of the Bible into Latin. Over time, the name became especially rooted in French culture, used in literature, religious history, and everyday life, while still reflecting its deep Greek and early Christian heritage.

Artistic Jérôme Tattoo Design Ideas

Watercolor tattoo design of the name Jérôme on a white background.

Watercolor Jérôme Tattoo Design

A dreamy watercolor-style tattoo design where the name Jérôme flows organically through soft color washes and ink splashes.

Surrealist black and gray tattoo design forming the name Jérôme.

Surrealist Jérôme Tattoo Artwork

A surrealism-inspired tattoo design where the letters of Jérôme transform into dreamlike, impossible shapes.

Trash Polka style tattoo design of the name Jérôme in black and red on white.

Trash Polka Jérôme Tattoo Concept

A striking Trash Polka tattoo design where the name Jérôme is fractured and layered with bold black and red graphic elements.

Futuristic neon-style tattoo design spelling the name Jérôme.

NeonFlux Jérôme Tattoo Innovation

A high-tech, neon-inspired tattoo concept where the name Jérôme glows like a cyberpunk logo.

Gender Use of Jérôme

Traditionally, the name Jérôme is used as a male given name, particularly in French-speaking countries. While modern naming trends increasingly embrace unisex names, Jérôme largely remains associated with male identity in places like France, Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland. In some international contexts, however, parents may adapt or reinterpret the name creatively, but its historical and cultural usage is firmly centered on a male profile.

Popularity of the Name Jérôme

The name Jérôme enjoyed notable popularity in French-speaking countries during the mid to late 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. In France, it frequently appeared in national rankings, though its usage has since declined as newer names have emerged. Today, Jérôme is less common for newborns but remains familiar among adult generations, giving it a classic, slightly retro feel that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name.

Global Usage of Jérôme

Globally, the name Jérôme is most widespread in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and French-speaking regions of Canada. In English-speaking countries, it usually appears as Jerome, without the accent. Pronunciation may vary slightly across regions, but the soft "J" and melodic rhythm remain characteristic. The name’s links to Christian scholarship and European culture give it an international, intellectual aura appreciated in many parts of the world.

Global Distribution & Gender Ratio

Usage and gender distribution of the name Jérôme across different countries, based on data from GenderAPI.

France 49.82%
♀ Female: 0% ♂ Male: 100%
Belgium 27.36%
♀ Female: 0% ♂ Male: 100%
Canada 4.89%
♀ Female: 3.7% ♂ Male: 96.3%
Switzerland 3.44%
♀ Female: 0% ♂ Male: 100%
Germany 1.81%
♀ Female: 0% ♂ Male: 100%

Gender and popularity analysis by country is based on data from Gender API.

Similar Names Related with the Name Jérôme

  1. H

    Hieronymus

    Latinized form preserving the original sense of a sacred name.

  2. G

    Gerome

    Alternative spelling closely tied to the idea of a holy or sacred identity.

  3. J

    Jérémie

    French form of Jeremiah with a similar sense of divine exaltation.

  4. J

    Jory</name>,

  5. G

    Geronimo

    Italian and Spanish variant rooted in the concept of a sacred name.

Personality Traits Associated with Jérôme

Thoughtful

Often reflective and analytical, valuing depth over superficiality.

Wise

Seen as mature beyond their years, with a strong sense of judgment.

Calm

Tends to approach challenges with composure and patience.

Reliable

Someone others can depend on for support and consistency.

Cultured

Frequently drawn to literature, art, history, or philosophy.

Careers and Vocations Suited to Jérôme

Scholar or Academic

Engaged in teaching, research, or higher education.

Writer or Journalist

Expressing ideas through articles, books, or media.

Translator or Linguist

Working with languages and intercultural communication.

Historian

Exploring and interpreting past events and cultures.

Advisor or Consultant

Offering thoughtful, informed guidance in specialized fields.

Unique and Interesting Facts About Jérôme

  1. Linked to a Church Father

    The name is closely associated with Saint Jerome, one of the most influential early Christian scholars.

  2. Literary Resonance

    Jérôme appears in French literature and popular culture, reinforcing its intellectual tone.

  3. Accent Variant

    The accent on “é” clearly marks the French form, distinguishing Jérôme from other language variants.

  4. Classic Yet Underused

    Modern parents sometimes revisit Jérôme for a distinctive, timeless choice.

Famous People Named Jérôme

  • Jérôme Bonaparte: Younger brother of Napoleon Bonaparte and King of Westphalia.
  • Jérôme Boateng: German professional footballer and World Cup winner.
  • Jérôme Bosch (Hieronymus Bosch): Renowned Dutch painter known for his fantastical religious works.
  • Jérôme Kerviel: French trader known for one of the largest trading scandals in history.
  • Jérôme Commandeur: French actor, comedian, and film director.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Name Jérôme

Answers to the most common questions people ask about the name Jérôme.

What does the name Jérôme mean?

Jérôme ultimately comes from the ancient Greek name Hieronymos, usually interpreted as “holy or sacred name.” It conveys the idea of a spiritually significant or sacred identity.

What is the origin of the name Jérôme?

The name Jérôme is the French form of Jerome, derived from the Greek Hieronymos. It became well known through Saint Jerome, an early Christian scholar and translator of the Bible into Latin, and is strongly rooted in French-speaking cultures.

Is Jérôme a boy or girl name?

Jérôme is traditionally a male given name, especially in French-speaking countries. While modern naming trends sometimes blur gender lines, Jérôme remains overwhelmingly used for boys and men.

How popular is the name Jérôme?

Jérôme was particularly popular in France and other French-speaking regions in the 1970s and 1980s. Its use has declined for newborns in recent decades, giving it a classic, slightly vintage feel today.

How do you pronounce Jérôme?

In French, Jérôme is pronounced “zhay-ROHM,” with the soft initial sound similar to the “s” in “measure.” The IPA transcription is /ʒeˈʁom/.