What is the origin of the name "jerry"? As in: jerry can. | Notes and Queries

What is the origin of the name "jerry"? As in: jerry can.

Miranda Stanley, Bishop's Castle, UK

• I suspect it's from the Ger part of the word German. Like Scotty for Scottish people.

  Ben Cornwell, Cardiff UK

• How about this then! The slang word for bum in German is Po, so is this the also a possible derivation of the word Jerry Po as the item was named in the north of England. Just a thought.

  David Ward, Wakefield UK