Updated October 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Word name
"spell, curse, bringer of bad luck"
Jinx, a James Bond heroine name has an ominous meaning but kinetic energy. In the film "Die Another Day," the actual first name of the character played by Halle Berry is Giacinta. It could therefore…
Arabic and Swahili from Persian
"jewel"
An attractive and traditional unisex name perfect for a cross-cultural child. Despite the current popularity of names ending in -ari, Johari is surprisingly rare in the US, though recent years have…
English, variation of Jessamine
"jasmine flower"
Jessamy and big sister Jessamine are all but unknown in the U.S., but make distinctive alternatives to overexposed Jessica, Jessie, and Jasmine.
Feminine variation of Joaquin, Spanish
"God will judge"
As Joaquin enters the American mainstream, his sister might just follow.
Diminutive of Jemma or Jemima
"gem; dove"
There was an eighties cartoon queen named Jem (& The Holograms), and this is as likely to be a full name as a short form – deriving from Jemma, Jemima or Jameela.
Finnish, Danish, Swedish variation of Jo
"Jehovah increases"
A unisex Scandinavian name. Joa is more common for boys in Finland but equally split between sexes in Sweden and Denmark.
Diminutive of Jocelyn, German
"member of the Gauts tribe"
Joss is more fashionable than Jocelyn or Josslyn. This is a short form that could be used independently, a la the singer Joss Stone. One of a troupe of adorable boyish nicknames newly fashionable for…
Feminine form of Justus, Latin
"just"
Justa is an ancient saints' name. Saints Justa and Rufina were martyred sisters who are today the patron saints of Seville in Spain. While Justice and Justus have caught on as names, Justa remains…
Hebrew
"mountain goat"
Variation of Jael.
"to behold"
This variation of Iscah connects that biblical name to the Shakespearean Jessica, which it's believed to be the root of. Iscah, a niece of Abraham, is mentioned briefly in the Book of Genesis.
Invented name
Variation of Kathryn.
Native American place name
"rich in springs"
Among the least gimmicky, most appealing and colorful of all the names found in the atlas, Jamaica almost sings out the rhythms of the West Indies. Part of the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean,…
Modern invented name
Jaxx (and Jax, Jaxson, Jaxsen, Jaxton et all) is now on the Top 1000 for boys, and while we don't foresee this becoming anywhere near as popular for girls, it was also found on the female side of the…
African
"born on Monday"
Juba, a strong and resonant unisex name, belonged to an ancient African king, is a city and river name, and is traditionally given to Ashanti (of Ghana) girls born on Monday.
Unusual and unfashionable name found in Toni Morrison's novel Tar Baby .
Feminine variation of Jacob, Hebrew
"supplanter"
Jacobine is a rare -- no baby girls received the name in the US last year -- feminine form of the popular Jacob. But Jacobine has a quirky appeal. The Jacobins were a radical political club formed…
English flower name, from Latin
"reed"
Jonquil is an unusual flower name that is less outlandish than Daffodil and less common than Daisy. It just might appeal to parents seeking a singular botanical option. Unlike most flower names,…
Spanish, Portuguese, Tupi-Guarani flower name
"fragrant"
Distinctive and charming nature name that blends elements of Jacqueline and Amanda.
Portuguese
"wading bird"
Feminine variation of Jericho, Biblical place name
Jericho, a Biblical city, has popped in and out of the Top 1000 since 2013, never making it above the 900s. That means it's unlikely that Jericha, a feminization, will break into the mainstream…