Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Jemel since 1968
Babies named Jemel per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1989, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Jemel's real moment was 1976.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 15 |
| 1970s | 163 |
| 1980s | 229 |
| 1990s | 148 |
| 2000s | 106 |
| 2010s | 58 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Jemel is a name that first appeared on the U.S. birth records in 1968, reflecting a period of creative name formation. Its popularity peaked in 1976, but since 1985 it has been falling in use, a trajectory typical of many modern coinages. The name's origins are uncertain; it may be an Anglicized variant of the Arabic name Jamal, meaning 'beauty,' or a modern blend. Its appeal in the 1970s aligns with the era's trend for names starting with J. Because Jemel has never charted in the top 1000, it remains a distinctive choice. The name is predominantly given to boys, and it has no strong regional concentration in the United States. For parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet uncommon, Jemel offers a brief, modern option.
Jemel first appeared in the United States in the late 1960s. It may be an Anglicized spelling of the Arabic name Jamal, which means 'beauty' or 'handsome'. Alternatively, it could be a modern coinage blending sounds from names like James and Melvin. Its rise in the 1970s and subsequent decline suggests it was a trendy invention of that era.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jem, Mel
Sibling names for Jemel
Names that share Jemel's style, for a brother or sister.
