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Jolly J Names

DoctorWoo
By DoctorWoo
Updated Thu May 25 2023
  1. Jack

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      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.
  2. James

    • Origin:

      English variation of Jacob, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      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.
  3. Jamie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of James

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      The cool form of James in the 1970s and '80s for both sexes. Still a more stylish short form than Jimmy, though many parents will want to call James by his entire, not-very-long name.
  4. Jamillie

    • Description:

      Jamillie is a feminine name likely derived from the Arabic name Jamila or Jameela, meaning 'beautiful' or 'lovely,' with a French-influenced spelling variation. The unique ending with 'lie' gives this traditional Arabic name a distinctive multicultural flair. While not widely used, Jamillie represents a creative adaptation that bridges Middle Eastern origins with Western spelling conventions. The name carries the positive associations of beauty and grace from its Arabic roots while offering a unique alternative to more common variations like Jamila or Jamel. Parents might choose Jamillie for its melodious sound, meaningful origin, and its balance of being recognizable yet uncommon. The name's cross-cultural nature makes it appealing in our increasingly global society.

  5. Jane

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      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.
  6. Jason

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "to heal"

    • Description:

      Jason, the Number 3 name for the entire decade of the 1970s -- thus the title of our original baby-naming book, Beyond Jennifer & Jason -- is more likely to be dad's name now than baby's, but it's still a widely used name.
  7. Jasper

    • Origin:

      Persian

    • Meaning:

      "bringer of treasure"

    • Description:

      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.
  8. Jay

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "jaybird"

    • Description:

      While Jay has been long used as a stand-alone boy name, it has more recently been used as one for girls. Otherwise, it has largely been seen as a pet form of any J name, or as a singular middle name.
  9. Jeannot

    • Description:

      Jeannot is a charming masculine French diminutive of Jean (the French equivalent of John). The '-ot' suffix traditionally indicates affection or endearment in French naming customs. The name ultimately derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'God is gracious.' Jeannot has a playful, affectionate quality while maintaining a distinctly French character. While common in French-speaking regions historically, especially as a nickname, it's relatively uncommon as a formal given name, particularly outside Francophone communities. The name carries a certain rustic charm and cultural specificity, evoking images of rural French life. For parents seeking a name with authentic French heritage and a friendly, approachable quality, Jeannot offers distinctive cultural connections.
  10. Jedidiah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "beloved of the Lord"

    • Description:

      Jedidiah, an Old Testament name with a touch of Gunsmoke-era western panache, is right in line to be revived along with the other biblical -iah names.
  11. Jem

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of James or Jeremiah

    • Description:

      This name of the ten-year-old boy in the much loved and acclaimed modern classic To Kill a Mockingbird could find favor along with that of the character's sister, Scout.
  12. Jenna

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Jennifer

    • Meaning:

      "white shadow, white wave"

    • Description:

      Jenna was first noted on the 1980s TV series Dallas, later associated with one of the First Twin Daughters. Jenna is still being used, but no longer feels much fresher than Jennifer. You can also spell it Jena, but then many people will pronounce it jeen-a, as in Gina.
  13. Jentry

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Gentry, English

    • Meaning:

      "aristocracy"

    • Description:

      Jentry is an upwardly-striving word name that's gaining ground for girls as a new spin on Jennifer or Jenna. If classy is what you're after, a name with a genuine pedigree would serve you better. Others spellings -- Jentri, Jentree, Jentreigh -- abound, presumably for parents who want to use the short form Jen or like Gentry but prefer girl names starting with J..
  14. Jer

    • Description:

      Jer is a masculine name that can function as both a standalone name and a shortened form of names like Jeremiah, Jeremy, Jerome, or Gerald. As a Hebrew-derived name in its short form, Jer (when from Jeremiah) connects to the meaning 'God will uplift' or 'appointed by God.' This concise, single-syllable name exemplifies the modern trend toward brief, uncomplicated names that are easy to pronounce and spell. Jer has a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to traditional longer forms with biblical and historical significance. While not among the most common names, Jer has seen occasional usage throughout English-speaking countries, appealing to parents who prefer minimalist names with strong sounds. The name's brevity gives it versatility and a certain casual charm that works well across various personal and professional contexts.

  15. Jethro

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "excellence"

    • Description:

      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.
  16. Jetta

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "jet"

    • Description:

      Although this is a legitimate name, most people would associate it with a line of Volkswagens -- you'd be better off choosing a Mercedes.
  17. Jette

    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of names ending in jette or iette

    • Description:

      Many popular Dutch short forms are drawn from the middle or end of their proper name: Sanne from Susanne, Bas from Sebastian. Jette could be from a name like Henriette or Mariette.
  18. Jillian

    • Origin:

      Phonetic spelling of Gillian

    • Meaning:

      "youthful"

    • Description:

      This spelling of Jillian is now much more popular than the original, maybe because the G version invites pronunciation problems.
  19. Jillie

    • Description:

      Jillie is a feminine name with English origins, functioning primarily as a diminutive form of Jill, which itself derives from Gillian or Julian. The name has a cheerful, friendly quality with its soft sounds and playful ending. While Jill peaked in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, Jillie has remained a less common variant, giving it a distinctive charm. Some parents choose Jillie as a given name rather than a nickname, appreciating its informal warmth and approachability. The name evokes a spirited, youthful personality and carries associations with the traditional nursery rhyme 'Jack and Jill.' Though never ranking highly on popularity charts, Jillie maintains consistent, if modest, usage in English-speaking countries.
  20. Jinny

    • Description:

      Jinny is traditionally a diminutive form of Jennifer or Virginia, though it can also stand as an independent given name. With English origins, it emerged as a familiar nickname with a friendly, casual quality. The name Jennifer comes from the Cornish form of Guinevere meaning 'white wave' or 'fair one,' while Virginia derives from Latin, meaning 'maiden' or 'pure.' Jinny enjoyed modest popularity as a nickname in the mid-20th century but was rarely recorded as a formal given name. It has a youthful, spirited quality and a simple two-syllable rhythm that gives it an endearing charm. Today, it might appeal to parents seeking short, sweet names with a vintage feel.