Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Jair

Jair is a Hebrew name borne from the Bible and means “he shines”. In the Old Testament (Numbers) Jair appears as the son of Manasseh which would make Jair the grandson of Joseph and the great-grandson of Jacob/Israel. However, according to 1 Chronicles 2:21, Jair was the son of Segub which would make him a descendent of Judah (Joseph’s brother). He distinguished himself by taking several small towns in battle called “Jair’s Villages” (Havvoth-jair). Furthermore, the name is mentioned briefly in Judges 10:3-4 as the 8th judge of Israel who ruled for 22 years and had 30 sons who rode on 30 donkeys and lived in 30 cities (in reference to the ancient Havvoth-jair). Jair is also mentioned In Esther as the father of Mordecai (Esther’s uncle) and a Benjamite. In fact the Old Testament is virtually peppered with this “shining” name, but only with obscurity in passing. As a potential descendent of various tribes of Israel (Joseph, Judah and Benjamin), Jair is probably mostly restricted as a name of interest to Jewish people.

All About the Baby Name – Jair

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME JAIR

The Number 2 personality in numerology is all about cooperation and balance. It's the number of diplomats and mediators. They are not leaders, but strive rather for harmony in partnerships. These are the peacemakers. Equality and fairness are important in their dealings, and they are willing to share power and responsibility to achieve a harmonious outcome. This personality is calm and patient, waiting for things to evolve instead of pushing aggressively for an outcome. They are good-natured and easy-going, and care deeply on an emotional and spiritual plane. Twos appreciate beauty and nature and are intent on making the world a better place.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME JAIR

Jair is not a popular name in America. It only first appeared on the masculine naming charts in 1996 but didn’t really stick to the charts until a few years later in 2001. It rose in its first few years of circulation with some modest success, but today it’s back down to levels of obscurity. Even the Spanish equivalent Jairo is more popular on the American charts today than Jair. We must admit, Jair doesn’t roll well off the tongue. Is it pronounced JAY-ər or JAYR? Both pronunciations feel awkward. At least the Spanish pronunciation (i.e., HI-row) is easier to say. This name doesn’t have a whole lot going for it other than its “shining” etymology.

Quick Facts

ON JAIR

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Hebrew

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

820

PRONUNCIATION:

JAY-ər

SIMPLE MEANING:

He shines

Characteristics

OF JAIR

Cooperative

Considerate

Compassionate

Nurturing

Sensitive

Patient

Loving

Kind

Gracious

Balanced

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Jair

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME JAIR

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Jair

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME JAIR

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Jair


Popular Songs

ON JAIR

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Jair


Famous People

NAMED JAIR

Jair Jurrjens (baseball player)
Jair da Rosa Pinto (Brazilian footballer)
Jair Oliveira (Brazilian singer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED JAIR

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Jair

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME JAIR

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Jair