A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Jennings since 1892
Babies named Jennings per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1926, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Jennings's real moment was 1897.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 0 | 159 |
| 1900s | 0 | 107 |
| 1910s | 0 | 462 |
| 1920s | 0 | 893 |
| 1930s | 0 | 600 |
| 1940s | 0 | 497 |
| 1950s | 0 | 339 |
| 1960s | 0 | 223 |
| 1970s | 0 | 151 |
| 1980s | 0 | 164 |
| 1990s | 27 | 155 |
| 2000s | 17 | 161 |
| 2010s | 133 | 481 |
| 2020s | 137 | 486 |
Meaning & origin
Jennings has been in use as a first name in the United States since at least 1892, when it first appeared in Social Security records. It reached its peak popularity in 1897, then declined before experiencing a steady revival. Since 1996, the name has been rising in use, reflecting a broader trend of surname-style first names. In 2023, 1 in every 19,861 babies was named Jennings, placing it at rank 1,837. The name has been most popular in southern states like Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Its appeal lies in its sturdy, surname feel and its association with classic English heritage.
Jennings is a patronymic surname derived from the medieval given name Jenin, a diminutive of John (via Jankin). Originally meaning 'little John,' it later became a given name in its own right. The name has been in use as a first name in the United States since the late 19th century.
Where Jennings 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jen, Jenn
Sibling names for Jennings
Names that share Jennings's style, for a brother or sister.
