Declining since 1985, #4,050 for boys today.
Popularity of Jamaal since 1970
Babies named Jamaal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 937 |
| 1980s | 3,890 |
| 1990s | 1,711 |
| 2000s | 1,121 |
| 2010s | 670 |
| 2020s | 213 |
Meaning & origin
Jamaal entered U.S. records in 1970 and rose to its peak rank in 1982, after which its usage began a steady decline that has continued through the latest data. In 2025, it ranked 4050th, with approximately 1 in 65,695 boys receiving the name. The spelling Jamaal, with double 'a', is an English variation of the more common Jamal and has been most frequently recorded in Texas. While never among the top 1000 names, Jamaal represents a culturally significant variant that reflects the broader adoption of Arabic-derived names in American naming practices.
Jamaal is an English-language spelling variant of Jamal, derived from the Arabic word jamāl (جمال), meaning 'beauty' or 'handsomeness'. The name has been used throughout the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities globally. In the United States, the spelling Jamaal gained visibility in the mid-20th century, particularly among African American families.
Where Jamaal is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Jamaal” around the world
Where Jamaal lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jay, Jam
Sibling names for Jamaal
Names that share Jamaal's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aisha, Imani, Zahara, Nia, Layla, Donisha, Kalisha, Lasandra, Shanelle, Tiesha, Kelisha, Lakeitha, Laquitta, Latania, Shauntae, Takeya, Tameshia, Taniesha, Tashanna, Akeisha, Cherika, Jamekia, Kimala, Laterra, Latrease, Makeisha, Shacoya, Shanicka, Shantella, Shaquitta, Shawntia, Shekia, Sherronda, Vanesha, Yanique, Carnisha, Daquana, Jamacia, Lashan, Lashannon, Lashuna, Racquelle, Shanera, Sharicka, Shuntel, Somalia
Brothers: Malik, Amir, Khalil, Rashid, Tariq, Jaheim, Rashaud, Kahmari, Tirrell, Daiquan, Rashod, Tramayne, Marquist
