`J´ Names That I Like - Girls & Boys
- Johnathan
Origin:
Variation of JonathanMeaning:
"gift of Jehovah"Description:
Some people may prefer this spelling to clarify the name's connection to John, but it could be one h too many, exemplified by its steady decline over the past two decades.
- Jakob
Origin:
German, Norwegian, and Slovenian variation of Jacob, Hebrew variation of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
After cracking the US Top 200 in the early 2000s, fueled by Jacob's rise, this name has been losing steam in recent years. But Jakob is the top form of the name in many other countries, cultures, and languages, ranking highly in Germany, Norway, Austria, Iceland, and Slovenia. Jakub is the Polish variation.
- Jefferson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Jeffrey"Description:
The name of the third U.S. President sounds, like Harrison and Jackson, more modern and stylish now than its root name. Used as a first name long before our surname-crazed era, Jefferson was most famously used as a first name by the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, which may justifiably make you not want to use it. Jefferson is the middle name of another Prez, William Clinton.
- Janna
Origin:
Dutch contraction of JohannaDescription:
Could run into pronunciation confusion.
- Jessa
Origin:
Short form of Jessica, HebrewMeaning:
"behold or wealthy"Description:
Once rare, this streamlined form of Jessica has been boosted by two very different television figures: the Jemima Kirke character on HBO series Girls, and reality television daughter Jessa Duggar.
- Jazlyn
Origin:
Modern invented nameMeaning:
"jazz by the lake; fower by the lake"Description:
A modern invention that's been in use since the 80s and in the charts since the 90s, which combines the sounds of Jasmine (or Jasper or just the word jazz) with the popular suffix, -lyn. Inspiration might also have come from Joslyn, Jocelyn, or Roslyn. Trendy but snazzy too, Jazlyn remains in the US Top 600.
- Justice
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"the quality of being just, impartial, or fair"Description:
Justice is a fashionable word name, used for both girls and boys. Justice has the distinction of being a virtue name without the religious implications of Faith or Grace. It still feels more male than female, perhaps partly due to the classic Roman name Justus, but Justice has become a more common pick for girls in recent years.
- Jordana
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"flowing down"Description:
A feminization used more before Jordan joined the girls' camp.
- Joakim
Description:
Joakim is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, representing a Scandinavian and Eastern European form of Joachim. Derived from the Hebrew name Yehoyakim, meaning 'established by God' or 'God will raise,' Joakim carries strong religious and historical significance. Particularly popular in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and parts of Eastern Europe, the name has maintained steady usage throughout centuries. Joakim became internationally recognized partly through notable bearers including basketball player Joakim Noah and various European athletes and artists. The name blends biblical heritage with a contemporary Scandinavian feel, offering a distinctive yet accessible choice. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, Joakim provides an international alternative with both cultural depth and modern appeal.
- Juanita
Origin:
Spanish, feminine variation of JuanDescription:
Pervasive in all Spanish-speaking cultures, Juanita, like Juana, has not emigrated.
- Jamison
Description:
A variation of Jameson. Both names have climbed in popularity in recent years, though Jameson remains the preferred spelling.
- Johnnie
Origin:
Diminutive of John, HebrewMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This spelling of the traditional nickname for John is a bit more feminine than Johnny, based on the fashion at the turn of the 20th century to use boyish diminutives ending in -ie for girls.
- Jarred
Description:
Jarred is a masculine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Jared, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'descent' or 'he who descended.' This alternative spelling became particularly popular in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. The name has biblical roots, as Jared appears in the Book of Genesis as a patriarch before the flood. Jarred offers a slightly more contemporary feel than the traditional spelling, with the double 'r' adding a distinctive visual element. The name conveys strength and masculinity while remaining approachable. Though its popularity has declined since its peak, Jarred continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its biblical connections combined with its modern spelling variation.
- Jarod
Description:
Jarod is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, considered a variation of the biblical name Jared, meaning 'descent' or 'he who descended.' This modern spelling gained significant popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s, partly due to the television series 'The Pretender,' which featured a protagonist named Jarod. The name has a strong, contemporary sound while maintaining traditional roots. Jarod projects confidence and intelligence, with a slightly unconventional edge compared to more common biblical names. Though its peak popularity has passed, it remains a recognizable name that carries a balance of uniqueness and familiarity.
- Jeanine
Origin:
French variation of JeanMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Together with the more common (in France) Jeannine spelling, this feminine form of Jean was most popular in the 1930s in its home country, and in the 1960s in the US. It's fallen off the Top 1000 list since, but perhaps cute retro nickname Jeannie could tempt some vintage-loving parents back.
- Jonny
Description:
Jonny is a masculine name primarily functioning as a diminutive or informal version of Jonathan, which derives from the Hebrew name "Yehonatan" meaning "gift of Jehovah" or "God has given." Jonny offers a friendlier, more approachable alternative to the more formal Jonathan. While sometimes used as a standalone name on birth certificates, it's more commonly a nickname. The spelling with two 'n's distinguishes it slightly from the variation Johnny. This name carries a youthful, casual energy and has been moderately popular in English-speaking countries. Jonny has associations with relaxed, down-to-earth personalities and has been used for various characters in popular culture and sports figures.
- Jaden
Origin:
Spelling variation of JadonMeaning:
"God has heard"Description:
From obscure male biblical boy's name to unisex favorite, Jadon/Jaden, in all its variations, has had a meteoric rise in popularity, building on Jade and Jada, plus the trendy en ending.
- Jamilah
Description:
Jamilah is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'beautiful,' 'lovely,' or 'graceful.' This name has been used throughout the Islamic world for centuries and carries strong positive connotations in Arabic-speaking cultures. The name appears in various forms across different regions, including Jamila, Jameela, and Cemile. Jamilah has gained modest recognition in Western countries as cultural awareness has expanded, though it remains most common in Muslim communities. The name's pleasing sound and uplifting meaning make it attractive to parents seeking a name with both aesthetic appeal and positive significance. Jamilah represents inner and outer beauty in Arabic tradition and carries with it a sense of elegance and charm that transcends cultural boundaries.
- Jacelyn
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
A possible, and not too successful, attempt to individualize Jocelyn or formalize Jacey.
- Jaxson
Origin:
Variation of Jackson, EnglishMeaning:
"son of Jack"Description:
One of several phonetic spellings of Jackson moving up the charts, Jaxson entered the Top 100 in 2013 and has remained there since. It's also picking up steam in England and Wales.. Actor Eric Mabius used it as his son Rylan's middle name.
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