Jethro

Jethro is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from Yitro, a biblical name often interpreted as meaning “abundance” or “excellence.” The name has appeared in religious texts and has since been used in English-speaking countries as a first name and, occasionally, as a surname.

In the Hebrew Bible, Jethro (also called Reuel) is the priest of Midian and the father-in-law of Moses. He welcomes Moses and his family and later offers guidance on governance, advising Moses to appoint capable men to judge the people so that the workload is manageable. He is described as the father of Zipporah, Moses’s wife, and his encounter with Moses features prominently in the Exodus narrative.

In popular culture, Jethro Bodine is a fictional character on the American television series The Beverly Hillbillies, known for his humorous and naive demeanor. The name also appears in music: Jethro Tull is a British rock band formed in 1967, named after Jethro Tull, the 18th-century English agricultural pioneer who invented the seed drill.

Beyond these references, Jethro remains in use as a given name in various contexts and has been employed in literature and media to evoke biblical or historical associations. Notable details about individuals named Jethro are often specific to the person rather than to the name itself.