Declining since 1992.
Popularity of Jamaica since 1972
Babies named Jamaica per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 258 |
| 1980s | 394 |
| 1990s | 484 |
| 2000s | 246 |
| 2010s | 109 |
| 2020s | 41 |
Meaning & origin
Jamaica is a place name that entered American usage in the early 1970s, first recorded in 1972. The name reached its peak in 1977, reflecting a broader trend of geographical names during that decade. Since 1992, its usage has been steadily falling. Jamaica has never ranked in the top 1000 nationally, making it a rare choice. Its appeal may stem from the island nation's cultural resonance, particularly in the wake of reggae music's global popularity. As a name, Jamaica remains uncommon, with no strong association to any particular U.S. state in records.
Jamaica emerged as a given name in the United States in the early 1970s, coinciding with increased cultural awareness of the Caribbean nation. The country's name derives from the Taíno word 'Xaymaca', likely meaning 'land of wood and water'. The name has primarily been used for girls, particularly in African American communities, though its usage has declined since the 1990s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jamie, Jay, Mica
Variants: Jamaeka
Sibling names for Jamaica
Names that share Jamaica's style, for a brother or sister.
