A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Jinx since 1926
Babies named Jinx per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 6 | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 70 | 0 |
| 1950s | 81 | 0 |
| 1960s | 12 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 11 | 0 |
| 2020s | 24 | 12 |
Meaning & origin
Jinx is an unusual and edgy name with a straightforward meaning derived from a common English word. First recorded in the United States in 1926, it saw its peak usage in 1950, though even then it was rare. The name has experienced a revival since 2020, part of a trend toward word names and names with a playful or slightly rebellious feel. Despite its association with bad luck, Jinx appeals to parents seeking a distinctive, short, and punchy name. Its rarity means it has never been a top state favorite, but its rising trajectory suggests growing interest.
Jinx derives from the noun meaning a charm or spell of bad luck, possibly from the Latin word 'iynx' (a bird used in divination) or from the Greek 'iunx' (the wryneck bird). It has been used as a slang term since the early 20th century and as a given name occasionally, often for characters in fiction.
Sibling names for Jinx
Names that share Jinx's style, for a brother or sister.
