"invented blend of Jared and Gareth"
Origin: Modern English
Language: English
Jareth
Boy Name
#1,811 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A name conjured from fantasy and rock stardom
English
American
Bold
Unique
Whimsical
Literary
Meaning & Origin
"descent, gentle"
Origin: Hebrew/Welsh
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Jareth the Goblin King from the 1986 Jim Henson film Labyrinth — may invite fan references
The Story of Jareth
Jareth is a modern invented name with no established ancient etymology. It appears to be a creative blend of Jared (Hebrew: descent, or sometimes connected to 'rose') and Gareth (Welsh: gentle, from Arthurian legend). The combination creates a name with the strength of Jared and the mystical quality of Gareth. The name leapt into popular consciousness when David Bowie played the Goblin King Jareth in Jim Henson's 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth, creating an indelible cultural imprint.
Jareth began appearing on US birth records in the late 1980s and 1990s, almost certainly inspired by David Bowie's Goblin King in Labyrinth. It has maintained a small but devoted following ever since, particularly in families who love fantasy, music, or the work of Jim Henson. It's one of the rare pop-culture invented names that feels genuinely usable.
For a generation of children who grew up watching Labyrinth, Jareth the Goblin King — portrayed by the legendary David Bowie — is one of cinema's great magnetic villains. The name carries the film's themes of imagination, coming-of-age, and the seductive power of fantasy. It's a name that promises a child will be interesting.
Fun Facts
- Jareth the Goblin King was portrayed by David Bowie in Jim Henson's 1986 film Labyrinth, one of Bowie's most beloved acting roles
- Labyrinth has developed one of cinema's most devoted cult followings, with annual screenings worldwide
- The name Gareth, which shares Jareth's ending, is Welsh and appears in Arthurian legend as one of King Arthur's knights
Jareth in Other Languages
French
Jareth
English
Jareth
Spanish
Jareth
Famous People Named Jareth
J
Jareth the Goblin King Fictional
Other
The seductive villain of Jim Henson's 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth, played by David Bowie in an iconic performance
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,811
- Total SSA Count
- 90
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Jay
Jar
Reth
Pairs Well With
Jareth Stone
Jareth Quinn
Jareth Blake
Jareth Cole
Jareth Reed
Jareth Orion
Jareth Wolf
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Jareth is also used as a girl name, ranked #50838.
View Jareth as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Jareth and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Jareth sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Jareth
What does the name Jareth mean?
"invented blend of Jared and Gareth" (from Modern English). "descent, gentle" (from Hebrew/Welsh). Jareth is a modern invented name with no established ancient etymology. It appears to be a creative blend of Jared (Hebrew: descent, or sometimes connected to 'rose') and Gareth (Welsh: gentle, from Arthurian legend). The combination creates a name with the strength of Jared and the mystical quality of Gareth. The name leapt into popular consciousness when David Bowie played the Goblin King Jareth in Jim Henson's 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth, creating an indelible cultural imprint.
What is the origin of the name Jareth?
Jareth has Modern English, Hebrew/Welsh, English, and American origins. In Modern English, it means "invented blend of Jared and Gareth". In Hebrew/Welsh, it means "descent, gentle".
Is Jareth a boy or girl name?
Jareth is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1811. As a girl name, it is ranked #50838. Jareth is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Jareth?
Jareth is currently ranked #1811 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Jareth?
Common nicknames for Jareth include Jay, Jar, and Reth.
What are good middle names for Jareth?
Popular middle name pairings include Jareth Stone, Jareth Quinn, Jareth Blake, Jareth Cole, Jareth Reed, Jareth Orion, and Jareth Wolf.
What are good sibling names for Jareth?
Names that pair well with Jareth as siblings include Soren, Calix, Lyra, Evander, Petra, Zephyr, and Toby.
How many syllables does Jareth have?
Jareth has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Jareth a common or rare name?
Jareth is an uncommon name, ranked #1811 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Jareth
Jareth is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "invented blend of Jared and Gareth" in Modern English .
Is Jareth a boy or girl name? Jareth is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,811 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #50,838. Jareth is more commonly used as a boy name.
Jareth is currently ranked #1,811 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Jareth has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Jareth include Jay, Jar, and Reth. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Jareth include Jared, Jaren, Jarell, Jaret, Jarek . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.