Jamaa
A boy's name of Arabic origin with 13 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Jamaa, you're looking at a name that fewer than 13 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The open, warm ending gives Jamaa a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
Jamaa is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Jamaa is a masculine name of Arabic and Swahili origin. In Arabic, jama'a (جماعة) means group, community, or congregation. In Swahili, the word similarly means community or a gathering of people. As a name, it places the bearer at the center of human connection — someone who belongs to a people and brings people together.
In East African Muslim communities, Jamaa is used as both a name and a common noun. As a given name, it carries a social aspiration: that this person will be someone who builds and sustains community wherever they go.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Jamaa is a boy's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (1980–2000). Its Arabic roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 13 total births, Jamaa exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Jamaa has 2+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1980.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 8 | — |
The Story of Jamaa
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1980, Jamaa is a Gen X staple. Boys named Jamaa are most likely born between 1980 and 1990.
How rare is Jamaa?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Jamaa is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1980, peaked in the 1980s with 8 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(2 years, 1980–2000)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 | #11110 |
| 1980 | 8 | #4687 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jamaa a boy's or girl's name?
When was Jamaa most popular?
How popular is the name Jamaa?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1980–2000