Jekyll

Medieval measure of land, or English surname

"hide"

Jekyll Origin and Meaning

The name Jekyll is a boy's name.

Jekyll is a rare masculine name of English origin, derived from a surname that was historically a place name. The name gained notoriety through Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella 'Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,' which explored the dual nature of human personality. Because of this literary association, the name Jekyll often evokes themes of duality and inner conflict. As a first name, Jekyll has never been common in any English-speaking country, remaining extremely rare throughout recorded naming history. The name's unusual sound and strong literary connection make it distinctive but seldom chosen for children, perhaps due to the negative connotations from Stevenson's character.

Famous People Named Jekyll

• Gertrude Jekyll (1843 1932), British garden designer and writer

The name Jekyll in Pop Culture

• Dr. Henry Jekyll the protagonist of Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1886), a physician who discovers a drug that separates off the evil side of his character into a distinct persona, Mr. Hyde
• Jackson Jekyll son of Dr. and Mrs. Jekyll in "Monster High" show and series
• Surname from a Celtic male personal name (akin to Breton Judicaël) meaning literally 'generous lord'. The name is traditionally pronounced 'jeekəl', but 'jeckəl' is also common.