What Does the Name Jesus Mean?
Jesus derives from the Hebrew Yeshua, a shortened form of Yehoshua, combining a form of the divine name Yahweh with the verb yasha, "to save" or "deliver." The name means "the Lord saves" or "the Lord is salvation."
The Origin & History of Jesus
The Hebrew Yeshua passed into Greek as Iesous and then into Latin and English as Jesus, becoming the name of the central figure of Christianity. In Spanish and Portuguese, it developed into Jesús, used as an everyday given name rather than reserved solely for religious reference.
Cultural Reach
Jesús is one of the most common given names across Mexico, Spain, and much of Latin America, given openly and warmly to boys as a mark of Catholic faith and devotion, in contrast with its more restricted use as a first name in English-speaking countries.
Famous People Named Jesus
Notable bearers include Jesús Navas, the Spanish professional footballer who spent his entire top-flight career with Sevilla FC and won the UEFA European Championship with Spain in 2012.
Nicknames & Variations
Common nicknames include Chuy and Chucho, both widely used affectionate forms in Spanish-speaking communities. The unaccented English spelling Jesus and the Spanish Jesús are both in use.
Is Jesus a Good Name in 2026?
Jesus remains a steadily used, deeply meaningful name across Spanish-speaking communities in the US, carrying enduring religious and cultural significance.