Baby Name of the Day: Jupiter

The baby name Jupiter pairs a popular sound with lots of night sky and mythological energy.

Thanks to Dahlia for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.

WHAT DOES THE NAME JUPITER MEAN?

We sometimes think of Greek and Roman mythology as interchangeable. It’s true that the Romans and Greeks shared many similar figures. Hermes and Mercury both served as messengers, pictured wearing winged sandals and helmets. Goddesses Minerva and Athena exemplified wisdom. 

And, just like the Greek equivalent Zeus, Jupiter was king of the Roman gods. 

It’s not just the figures that share similarities. The names Zeus and Jupiter connect, too.

Zeus comes from dyeus, meaning shining. It’s one of the earliest terms to refer to a god of the skies.  

Now take dyeus and add pater – the Latin word for father. Smoosh ’em together, say them fast, and suddenly, dyeus-pater becomes Iuppiter and eventually Jupiter.

The Roman god is also sometimes known as Jove. 

The symbolism attached to the god is rich: thunderbolts, the eagle, the oak tree, the color white. He appears on coins. Jupiter reigned supreme in the state religion of the Roman empire until the advent of Christianity. The mighty Roman army pledged him loyalty.

So Jupiter had a good run.

Still, there are subtle differences between how Greeks and Romans perceived him. And probably the biggest difference in the 21st century? Zeus remains a god. But the planet Jupiter is typically our first thought with the Roman name.

JUPITER IN THE NIGHT SKY

Even in ancient times, the largest planet in the night sky was called Jupiter. The fifth planet from the sun, Jupiter remains the largest planet in our solar system. Only our moon and Venusshine brighter.

The massive planet boasts at least 115 moon in orbit. The four largest moons – Ganymede, Callisto, Io, and Europa – can sometimes be seen with binoculars from earth.

Scientists know quite a bit about the planet. Galileo first observed those four moons way back in the early 17th century, though a Chinese astronomer observed one of the moons around 400 BCE.

Both the Hubble telescope and Galileo spacecraft brought back more information, and most recently, NASA’s Juno spacecraft. 

It’s likely the oldest planet in the solar system, with a mostly hydrogen and helium atmosphere, a significant magnetic field and gravity that alters the shapes of the moons as they approach. 

JUPITER IN POPULAR CULTURE

Jupiter is referenced in the Bible. Shakespeare used the name for a character in Cymbeline. Unlike many modern pop culture references, this image has millennia of history. 

Composer Gustav Holst’s The Planets gives the solar system a soundtrack, based on a mix of astrology, science, and myth. It opens with Mars, the Bringer of War, and travels across space in order. Jupiter is the Bringer of Jollity. 

Jupiter Jones was one of the Three Investigators, a trio of adolescent gumshoes who solved crimes in a popular book series from the 1960s through the 1980s. Jupiter’s backstory is intriguing – he’s a former child star whose parents died young. He now lives with his aunt and uncle in a junkyard, which also serves as HQ for the boys’ adventures. He answers to the nickname Jupe. Joop is a traditional Dutch nickname for Joseph or John, so it’s quite name-like, if not necessarily in English.

The cast of Japanese manga series Sailor Moon includes a female character called Sailor Jupiter.

Cars, ships, and businesses have been named Jupiter, but none of the references seem especially problematic. Places share the name, too, including a resort in Romania and a beach in Florida.

JOYFUL JUPITER

In astrology, Sagittarius is associated with the planet Jupiter. Those born under the planet are said to be jovial – cheerful and light-hearted. 

It’s a nice counterpoint to all of that force and power, and adds to the upbeat, energetic sound of the name Jupiter. 

HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME JUPITER?

Five boys received the baby name Jupiter in the year 1981, marking the name’s debut in the US data set. 

As a 2020s name, Jupiter would fit in with Jude, Julian, Orion, and Atlas. Mythological and stylish in sound.

But it might work even better for girls. Five girls were named Jupiter in 2012, the first year it charted for our daughters. 

Jupiter fits with fast-rising nature name Juniper, as well as night-sky favorites like Luna and Stella.

As of 2025, 84 girls and 37 boys received the name. It’s current position on the popularity charts? Far outside of the Top 1000 for either gender, and nicely uncommon. 

POWERFUL and RARE

Overall, the baby name Jupiter is bold, strong, and unexpected. In our moment of borrowing names from celestial objects, Jupiter fits as well as many current favorites. It’s more daring than a word name like Maverick, less expected than a constellation-related pick like Leo. 

But because we know the planet and the mythological figure, the baby name Jupiter is easily recognized, pronounced, and spelled – a real bonus.

If you’re after something that suggests strength, energy, and a hint of joy, the baby name Jupiter might be perfect for your child.

What do you think of the baby name Jupiter?

First published on January 29, 2014, this post was revised on June 26, 2026.