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Jack may have fallen from its Number 1 place in England, but in the US it's as popular as it was at its height in the 1920s and 1930s. A durable, cheery, everyman form of John, Jack ranks as one of the most popular boy names starting with J.

Regal and ancient feeling, Jacques has been declining in popularity in its native France, but in the UK, it saw a surprising revival in 2022. Jumping from somewhere around the #2500 mark straight to #600, it was seven times more popular than in 2021.

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.

James is one of the classic Anglo-Saxon names, a stalwart through the ages that is more popular—and yes, stylish—than ever today. It recently came out Number 1 in a poll of America's favorite boys' baby names, and is the most common male name, counting people of all ages, in the US.

Jamie is typical of the relaxed unisex names starting with J that seemed so cool in the sixties after decades of Jeans and Joans, though now pretty tepid. Jaime and even Jamey and Jayme are alternate spellings.

No, we don't consider Jane too plain. In fact, for a venerable and short one-syllable name, we think it packs a surprising amount of punch, as compared to the related Jean and Joan.

This newly invented name is most likely a combination of Jane and Vanessa. Though it may not have as long of a history as more traditional names, Janessa has been a staple on the bottom half of the US Top 1000 since the mid-1980s. Perhaps surprisingly, it peaked at Number 524 in 2004.

Jasper originated as a variation of the Latin Gaspar, which ultimately derived from the Persian word ganzabara, meaning "bringer of treasure." As a given name, Jasper’s etymology is unrelated to that of the gemstone, which comes from a Semitic word meaning "speckled stone." Jasper is the usual English form for one of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Christ according to medieval tradition and appears in the Bible as a reference to the stone itself in Revelations 4:3.

Javante is a modern masculine name that emerged in American naming patterns during the late 20th century. This distinctive name likely developed as a creative variation combining the popular prefix 'Ja-' with elements from names like Dante or DeVante. Javante has a rhythmic, contemporary sound that has found modest popularity primarily in African American communities. The name carries a strong, melodic quality with its three syllables and smooth consonants. While not among the most common names, Javante represents the innovative naming traditions that create fresh, distinctive options outside traditional naming conventions. It has a dynamic, modern energy that appeals to parents seeking something unique yet accessible.

If Arrow is too straight for you....

Jazz as a full name is used slightly more often for boys than girls and has a distinctive, well, jazzy feel. Jazz is also occasionally used as a nickname for Jasper, much more often for Jasmine or Jazlyn. Could work as a middle name.

Relic of a past period of French favorites, out to pasture with Claudette and Paulette.

Jenevieve is a variant spelling of the classic French name Genevieve, which derives from the Germanic name Genovefa, meaning 'woman of the tribe' or 'tribe woman.' This alternative spelling maintains the elegant sound of the original while offering a slight modernization with the initial 'J' instead of 'G.' The name carries rich historical significance, as Saint Genevieve is the patron saint of Paris, believed to have saved the city through prayer during Attila the Hun's invasion. While less common than the traditional Genevieve spelling, Jenevieve offers the same feminine charm and sophisticated sound with a subtly distinctive quality. The name has timeless appeal with its flowing syllables and romantic French heritage.

At the height of the Jennifer craze, many parents were cutting straight to the nickname and putting Jenny on the birth certificate. But now that Jennifer is the mom rather than the daughter, Jenny, which has been somewhat replaced by Jenna, has faded as well.

Jeremiah is a solid Old Testament prophet name that has gradually taken the place of the now dated Jeremy, Gerard and Gerald, joining other currently popular biblical 'iah' names like Josiah and Isaiah. In the Bible Jeremiah is a famous prophet whose story is recorded in the book named after him.

A biblical place name with trumpeting verve and strength.

This biblical name of the mother of King Jotham of Judah has an appealing soft Russian accent.

Jessop is a masculine name with English origins, primarily derived from a surname that emerged as a medieval patronymic form meaning "son of Jesse." Jesse itself has Hebrew roots meaning "gift" or "God exists." As a first name, Jessop represents the growing trend of adopting traditional surnames as given names, appealing to parents seeking distinctive options with historical connections. The name carries a sophisticated English sensibility with a slightly aristocratic feel. Though rare as a first name, its familiar sound elements make it accessible. Jessop offers versatile nickname options including Jess or JP and projects a dignified image while maintaining approachable qualities that bridge formal and casual contexts.

Jethro, though the biblical father-in-law of Moses, has suffered for a long time from a Beverly Hillbilly image, but some really adventurous parents might consider updating and urbanizing it and transitioning it into the hip o-ending category.