Yared is the Hebrew form of Jared. As a given name in the Hebrew Bible, Yared (or Yered) is mentioned as a descendant of Adam and father of Enoch, whose name means "descent" in Hebrew. This form is also used in Ethiopia, where it has been borne by a semi-legendary 6th-century composer and saint. Etymology and Biblical Origin The name derives from the Hebrew root yarad, meaning "to descend", and appears in Genesis as the patronymic of Enoch: "Because all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years" (Genesis 5:23, ESV). In the Bible, Yared is listed among the patriarchs before the Flood. The Greek Iaret and Latin Iared forms are transcriptions of the Hebrew. Saint Yared of Ethiopia The most notable bearer is Saint Yared (also spelled Yared), an Aksumite musician, hymnwriter, and holy figure credited with developing the traditional music of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. According to the hagiographical work The Gadla Yared, he was born in Axum on 25 April 505 and died on 20 May 571. Orphaned as a child, he studied under the parish priest Abba Gedeon before retreating to Murade Qal, where he is said to have been inspired by the singing of birds and a caterpillar-legged creature (possibly representing Divine order) to compose the Zema—the liturgical chant tradition still used in Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox churches. His system includes three types of chant: Qinna (hymns), Zendan (antiphons), and Melekot (offertories).) Cultural Significance Saint Yared is venerated as a saint in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church on the 5th of Genbot (approximately 13 May). His feast day is sometimes celebrated with church services and musical performances. Many Ethiopian children have traditionally been named Yared in his honor, and it frequently appears among masculine names outside of biblical contexts. The name also occurs among Eritrean Orthodox congregations. Usage Outside Ethiopia Yared appears as a direct Hebrew Bible name, though modern English speakers typically use Jared or Jarrod. Variant forms include Yered in Biblical Hebrew, and Yered appears as a variant translation of the biblical name in some versions. Day form Yared remains uncommon in the Western world, its traditional resonance frames it firmly in the context of the Ethiopian Orthodox faith. Meaning: "descent" (from Hebrew yarad) Origin: Hebrew; also used in Ethiopia, especially among Christians Type: First name (male) Usage Regions: Israel, Ethiopian Orthodox diaspora, Ethiopia, Eritrea