The person

Different names are found in literature, the most common of which are Jeroen, Jheronimus and Hiëronymus. Archives from Bosch's days show a clear preference for 'Jheronimus', which is found in most of the documents. Less often, but still regularly (only in the archives of the Illustrious Brotherhood of Our Blessed Lady!) the name Joen or Joenen appears, so we can assume that this was his nickname. Jeroen is only found twice. Although the name 'Jeroen Bosch' is very common in the Netherlands and in particular in 's‑Hertogenbosch, we must conclude that Jheronimus is the preferred name.

Jheronimus' family is always referred to with the last name 'Van Aken' [Of Aachen], a name that refers to the origin of his great-grandfather Thomas. Via Nijmegen, the family ended up in 's‑Hertogenbosch where they became known as the 'Van Akens'. When Jheronimus' reputation spread farther and farther from the city, he started using the name 'Bosch'. Many artists named themselves after their residence and in that connection the name 'Van Aken' could cause confusion. The first time the name Bosch appeared was in 1504, when Duke Philip the Handsome commissioned a triptych. Later, the archives still mention 'Jheronimus van Aken' but they add the words: "calleth himself Bosch".

Over the years, much has been said and written on Bosch's appearance. After all, no original work by Bosch has been preserved that has a self-portrait as main subject. Yet there are people who think they recognise Bosch in a number of faces on his paintings. In addition, two engravings are known with Bosch's portrait, made by other artists.