The name Jeter is of American origin and is a popular choice for baby boys in the United States. It is derived from the English surname "Jetter," which was originally an occupational name given to a tanner or currier, someone who prepares animal hides by soaking them in water.
In the Middle Ages, tanning was considered a low-status occupation due to its unpleasant nature and association with death, as animals were often slaughtered for their hides. As a result, people who worked as tan-ners tended to live outside of towns and were often treated as outsiders. The name Jeter is believed to have evolved from the Old French word "jeteur," which means "thrower," possibly referring to someone who threw animal hides into vats of water or onto a rack for stretching.
Over time, the meaning of the surname Jeter has expanded beyond its original occupational context and now simply denotes someone who is associated with the name. Today, it is often used as a given name rather than a surname, although it can still be found in both forms.
Some notable people named Jeter include Derek Jeter, a former professional baseball player for the New York Yankees, and his sister Sharlee Jeter, an actress known for her role on the television show "The Cosby Show." While these individuals may have contributed to the popularity of the name Jeter in recent years, it is important to note that the name has a long history stretching back centuries. Ultimately, whether given as a first or last name, Jeter remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents looking to give their child a unique identity.
The name Jeter has seen varied popularity in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in recent years.
From 1912 to 1955, there were only sporadic instances of the name Jeter being given to newborns, with an average of fewer than 6 births per year. The highest number during this period was 11 births in 1925.
However, starting from the late 1990s, the popularity of the name Jeter began to grow. In 1998 and 1999, there were 5 and 7 births respectively. This trend continued into the new millennium, with 14 births in both 2000 and 2001.
The year 2004 marked a significant turning point for the name Jeter, with 22 births recorded - more than three times the number of births in the previous year. This increase in popularity persisted throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, reaching a peak of 70 births in 2015.
Although there was a slight decrease in the number of babies named Jeter from 2016 to 2023, with an average of around 40 births per year, the name still maintains a relatively high level of popularity compared to previous decades. Overall, since 1912, there have been a total of 978 births for the name Jeter in the United States.
This data illustrates how the popularity of the name Jeter has evolved over time, with a notable increase in recent years, making it an increasingly common choice for parents naming their children.