Declining since 1988, #4,857 for boys today.
Popularity of Jamell since 1971
Babies named Jamell per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 278 |
| 1980s | 632 |
| 1990s | 474 |
| 2000s | 397 |
| 2010s | 279 |
| 2020s | 105 |
Meaning & origin
Jamell is a masculine name that gained moderate popularity in the United States during the 1980s, peaking in 1988. While its rank of 4,857 in 2025 makes it relatively uncommon, it still sees occasional use, with about 1 in 85,404 newborn boys receiving the name that year. The name's trajectory has been falling since its peak, reflecting a broader shift away from some Arabic-derived names in favor of newer trends. Jamell's association with the classic Jamal gives it a familiar yet distinctive quality, appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural resonance and a modern edge.
Jamell is a variant of Jamal, which derives from the Arabic root jamala, meaning 'to be beautiful' or 'handsome'. The name has been used in the African American community as a distinctive spelling alternative to the traditional Jamal since the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jam
Sibling names for Jamell
Names that share Jamell's style, for a brother or sister.
