Declining since 1999, #7,491 for girls today.
Popularity of Jewell since 1880
Babies named Jewell per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Jewell's real moment was 1910.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 104 | 22 |
| 1890s | 742 | 93 |
| 1900s | 2,321 | 204 |
| 1910s | 5,983 | 827 |
| 1920s | 7,687 | 1,112 |
| 1930s | 4,023 | 710 |
| 1940s | 3,101 | 560 |
| 1950s | 1,707 | 390 |
| 1960s | 1,057 | 214 |
| 1970s | 512 | 159 |
| 1980s | 443 | 111 |
| 1990s | 625 | 115 |
| 2000s | 664 | 73 |
| 2010s | 378 | 69 |
| 2020s | 95 | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Jewell is a name that literally sparkles, drawing directly from the word for a precious stone. Its popularity has waned significantly since its peak in 1910, when it ranked among the top 250 names for girls, with about 226 births per million. In 2025, Jewell ranks at 7,491, with a 1-in-114,805 incidence, reflecting its fall from favor since 1999. The name's trajectory shows a steady decline, fitting a pattern seen in many jewel-themed names. Despite its low current usage, Jewell retains a vintage charm, evoking the early 20th century when gemstone names were fashionable. No top states are recorded, suggesting it is dispersed rather than concentrated regionally.
Jewell is a variant of the English word 'jewel,' which entered Middle English from Old French 'jouel,' ultimately derived from Latin 'jocus' (play, jest) via 'jocale' (plaything). The name arose as a transferred use of the ornamental term, initially used as a medieval nickname for a precious person and later as a given name, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It coexists with the more common spelling 'Jewel' and shares the same literal meaning.
Where Jewell is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls 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: Jew, Jewel
Sibling names for Jewell
Names that share Jewell's style, for a brother or sister.
