Declining since 1985, #1,492 for boys today.
Popularity of Jermaine since 1953
Babies named Jermaine per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 20 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 13,527 |
| 1980s | 12,802 |
| 1990s | 6,076 |
| 2000s | 5,488 |
| 2010s | 3,207 |
| 2020s | 902 |
Meaning & origin
Jermaine first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1953 and saw its greatest popularity during the 1970s, peaking in 1973. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined; in 2025 it ranked 1492nd, with only about 1 in 14,475 boys receiving the name. The name has been most common in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Virginia. A modern English variant of the French Germain, Jermaine carries the meaning 'German' or 'brother.' It gained visibility through Jermaine Jackson of the Jackson 5, which contributed to its spike in the 1970s. Despite its fall from peak favor, Jermaine remains a recognizable and culturally resonant choice, especially within African American communities.
Jermaine is an English variant of the French name Germain, which derives from the Latin Germanus, meaning "German" or "brother." The name was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest and saw revived interest in the 20th century, particularly among African American families. Its use was popularized by the singer Jermaine Jackson, a member of the Jackson 5.
Where Jermaine 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: Jer, Jerm
Sibling names for Jermaine
Names that share Jermaine's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Latoya, Tamika, Keisha, Monique, Shanice, Lashonda, Latonya, Sharmaine, Lakiesha, Laquanda, Larhonda, Temeka, Tomika, Antwanette, Cherrelle, Derricka, Jamesetta, Jermany, Kawanna, Kysha, Lacrisha, Lashanta, Lasheena, Latishia, Latrece, Makisha, Moesha, Roshunda, Shantee, Shavone, Shenise, Shontae, Janeisha, Javonda, Jermani, Jermiyah, Jermya, Jonesha, Lakeithia, Laquanna, Lavonya, Markiesha, Shandreka, Sharnae, Shavona, Tamecia, Tunisha, Latesa, Latreece, Shawnese, Darneshia, Jachelle, Jamonica, Jerlisa, Jermeka, Jermesha, Jermiya, Johneisha, Juanisha, Laqueena, Laronica, Latiesha, Latrisa, Lekita, Lynisha, Shantice, Sharnay, Shatima, Shlonda, Shonika, Shonita, Tikesha, Trenika
Brothers: Darnell, Tyrone, Malik, Andre, Terrence, Lashawn, Terell, Demonte, Lydell, Rondell, Jermal, Jermayne, Jermell, Jermon, Jervon, Lemarcus, Marquies, Termaine, Tyronne, Dontray, Jaymon, Jequan, Jermarion, Jermond, Lonell, Quintarius, Shajuan, Antwaine, Dyrell, Jermine, Labarron, Lamarco
Names like Jermaine
Names whose popularity has moved with Jermaine's over the last 50 years.
