Rising since 1990, #810 for boys today.
Popularity of Jones since 1880
Babies named Jones per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 84 |
| 1890s | 83 |
| 1900s | 96 |
| 1910s | 389 |
| 1920s | 497 |
| 1930s | 332 |
| 1940s | 265 |
| 1950s | 224 |
| 1960s | 146 |
| 1970s | 96 |
| 1980s | 119 |
| 1990s | 112 |
| 2000s | 288 |
| 2010s | 1,080 |
| 2020s | 1,546 |
Meaning & origin
The name Jones has seen a notable rise in popularity since the 1990s, with its highest rank ever recorded in 2025 at position 810. That year, approximately 1 in 5,582 boys received the name, reflecting its steady upward trajectory. In the 2020s, Jones has been particularly favored in states like Utah, Oregon, and Georgia, indicating a regional appeal in the West and Southeast. While its peak year is 2025, the name has been in continuous use since at least 1880, showing remarkable endurance. Its trajectory is one of consistent growth, making it a name with both historical roots and modern momentum.
Jones is a patronymic surname meaning 'son of John,' formed by adding the English possessive suffix -es to the given name John. The name John itself derives from the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' Jones is one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world, particularly in Wales, where it is especially prevalent. As a given name, Jones has been used occasionally in the United States, with a notable uptick in recent years as a stylish surname-turned-first-name.
Where Jones 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.
Sibling names for Jones
Names that share Jones's style, for a brother or sister.
