Jarod

Jarod is a masculine given name. It is a variant spelling of Jared or Jarrod and is used primarily in English-speaking countries. The form has appeared in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and parts of Europe, often favored for its concise, contemporary feel.

The name derives from Jared, which originates in Hebrew and has given rise to several variant spellings. Jarod preserves the same root as Jared and Jarrod, and has gained currency as a distinct modern form in the 20th and 21st centuries.

There are individuals named Jarod across various fields, including sports, arts, and academia, but no single figure dominates the public recognition of the name.

In fiction, Jarod is notably the given name of the title character in the American television series The Pretender (1996–2000). The character is a genius who can imitate others and adapt to different situations, around which the series centers.

Related names include Jared and Jarrod; Jarod’s spelling variants reflect broader naming trends toward short, phonetic forms in contemporary English.