MallowbyNames

Jamilla

jah-MEEL-ah · Of debated origin; possibly meaning 'beautiful' in Arabic, or a variant of Jamila.

2025 rank (girls)
#13,208
Babies named in 2025
6
Peak popularity
1988
2025 frequency
1 in 267,878 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1994

Declining since 1994, #13,208 for girls today.

Popularity of Jamilla since 1970

Babies named Jamilla per year in U.S. Social Security records.

142842198020002020Most births 1988Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s189
1980s317
1990s318
2000s170
2010s123
2020s64

Meaning & origin

Jamilla is a distinctive variant spelling of the Arabic name Jamila, which comes from a root meaning 'beautiful.' First recorded in U.S. data in 1970, the name saw its highest usage in 1988, when it reached peak rank. Since 1994, its frequency has been declining; as of 2025 it ranks 13,208 with about 1 in every 267,878 newborn girls receiving the name. While the name does not appear in any state's top lists, its use is distributed across the country, reflecting general familiarity with Arabic feminine names. Jamilla remains a modern, multicultural choice that resonates with families seeking a name with clear cross-cultural ties.

Jamilla is a variant of the more common Arabic name Jamila, which derives from the Arabic root j-m-l (ج م ل), associated with beauty and grace. The name entered broader usage in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, where spellings like Jamilla and Jameela appear alongside the standard Jamila. Its adoption in English-speaking countries is often linked to multicultural naming trends and appreciation for Arabic feminine names.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Jamie, Milla, Jami, Lala

Variants: Jamila, Jameela, Jamilah, Jamillah

Sibling names for Jamilla

Names that share Jamilla's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

J is for Jamilla, our favorite little girl.

J is for Jamilla…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Jamilla's letter becomes Jamilla's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Jamilla's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Jamilla mean?
Jamilla is thought to be a variant of Jamila, which means 'beautiful' in Arabic. However, some sources treat it as a distinct spelling; its meaning is tied to the same root.
How popular is the name Jamilla currently?
As of 2025, Jamilla ranks 13,208 in the United States, with about 1 in every 267,878 girls given the name. Its peak popularity was in 1988.
Is Jamilla a girl's name?
Yes, Jamilla is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.