Meaning & origin
A reliable meaning for Jr isn’t established in our sources yet. Rather than guess, we show what is recorded: how the name is used, how often, and the names it’s connected to.
The story
Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 1915. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin.
From dated birth records
Jr through the years
- Babies since 1880
- 1,729
- 1,729 boys · 0 girls
- Most popular year
- 1989
- 43 babies
- 2025
- 24
- #4,315 for boys
- 2021–25 vs 2016–20
- −23%
- Easing
Where it’s given
By the numbers
In 2025, this name appeared in 24 U.S. birth records for boys, ranking No. 4,315 among boys’ names. Average annual use for boys was 22.8% lower in 2021–2025 than in 2016–2020. Its largest published annual count for boys was 43 in 1989. In 2025, California had the largest reported state-level birth count for boys with this name (6). Published U.S. population figures for this spelling include 1,336 as a surname in 2000.
From Social Security birth records and U.S. Census name counts for this exact spelling. Other spellings are counted separately.
Jr’s family of names
The ring: nicknames and forms.
Nicknames & forms 1
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
Similar names
If you love Jr, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Jamar
“a handsome man”
>99% boys
Lamar
“from the renowned land” · “of the sea”
86% boys · 14% girls
Bryant
Bryant is a masculine given name from Irish.
>99% boys
Korey
“from the hollow; of the churning waters”
86% boys · 14% girls
Pierre
“as solid and strong as a rock”
>99% boys
Nestor
“to return safely”
>99% boys
Derick
“the ruler of the tribe”
>99% boys
Terrell
“one who is stubborn” · “a powerful man”
>99% boys