Jeri

German and French, feminine variation of Gerald

"ruler with the spear"

Jeri Origin and Meaning

The name Jeri is a girl's name.

Jeri is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Geraldine or Jeraldine, though it has long since established itself as an independent given name. It ultimately derives from Germanic elements meaning 'spear ruler' or 'rule of the spear.' This short, spunky variation emerged in popularity during the mid-20th century when brief, friendly feminine names were fashionable. Jeri peaked in usage in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting the trend toward informal, approachable names of that era. The name has a distinctly vintage Americana quality today, though its straightforward spelling and pronunciation give it a timeless simplicity that continues to appeal to some parents seeking a brief but complete-sounding name.

Jeri Rank in US Top 1000

# 808 in the US

Famous People Named Jeri

• Jeri Lynn Ryan American actress
• Jeri Southern (born Genevieve Lillian Hering) American jazz singer
• Jeri Kehn Thompson American radio host
• Jeri Lyn Horton, daughter of Canadian former NHL player Tim Horton

The name Jeri in Pop Culture

• Jeri McIntyre character from TV series "American Gothic"
• Jeri Kato character in anime "Digimon Tamers"