Jersey Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Jersey originates from the Old Norman name for the largest of the Channel Islands, thought to have Celtic roots meaning 'the island of the deer'. It has evolved through various historical forms and gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century. The name is associated with picturesque landscapes and carries a positive image today. It has no biblical relevance but is linked to notable figures and cultural references.
The name Jersey is most popular in Iowa, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Jersey has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Jersey' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6502nd out of 7552 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12331st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7081st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3337th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 20974th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1549th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1526th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Jersey' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Jersey"
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒɜːrzi/
Origin
Old Norman
Etymology
The name Jersey is derived from the Old Norman name 'Jersey' which refers to the largest of the Channel Islands. The name is thought to have Celtic origins, possibly from the word 'Jeris', meaning 'the island of the deer'.
Meaning
the island of the deer
Language Evolution
Jeris, Jersie, Jersey
Historical Usage
The name Jersey gained popularity as a geographical identifier in the medieval period and has been used as a personal name since the 19th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Jersy, Jers, Jersey Girl, Jersey Boy
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Jersey is often associated with the Channel Islands, known for their picturesque landscapes and rich history. It carries a positive connotation of beauty and tranquility.
Famous People
Jersey Joe Walcott, Jersey Girl (song by Bruce Springsteen), Jersey Shore cast members
Explore More Jersey Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Jersey"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Jersey"
"Jersey" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6502nd of 7552 | 11 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 12331st of 16616 | 17 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7081st of 24088 | 156 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3337th of 23106 | 409 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 20974th of 27321 | 15 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1549th of 35406 | 2,129 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1526th of 30306 | 1,730 |
Regional Popularity of "Jersey" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
71.34% 2842nd/3984 |
- |
39.67% 2706th/6822 |
- |
Regional Popularity of "Jersey" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
16.48% 755th/4582 |
52.71% 2722nd/5164 |
32.83% 2401st/7313 |
25.81% 1926th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
22.87% 911th/3984 |
82.79% 3715th/4487 |
24.14% 1647th/6822 |
45.03% 2826th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Jersey"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Jersey" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.