Is Jamal a boy's or girl's name?

Jamal is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 266 recorded births.

When was Jamal most popular?

Jamal reached its peak popularity in 1993 with 1,246 births that year. It is currently ranked #1183 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Jamal?

Jamal is currently ranked #1183 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 33,063 babies since 1946.

Jamal

A Arabic name gently fading from the charts.

Boy's name| Also girlsArabicDeclining Also a pet name

#1183▼ 147in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A male given name from Arabic.

Jamal is a boy's and girl's baby name of Arabic origin, meaning 'beauty, elegance, handsomeness' — from the Arabic root jamāl (beauty, grace). In Arabic poetry and culture, jamal represents the highest aesthetic ideal.

Widely used across the Arab world and African-American communities in the U.S., Jamal carries an inherent dignity and beauty in its meaning. It gained prominence in the 1970s-80s through the Black Arts movement and has been borne by athletes, musicians, and cultural figures. A name that literally means beauty — what better aspiration for a child?

Compare Jamal with another name

Popularity Over Time

Jamal was #442 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #1183, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Jamal
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	1,098	#1018	▼
2010s	3,265	#732	▼
2000s	5,897	#460	▼
1990s	10,265	#278	▲
1980s	7,187	#304	▲
1970s	4,691	#365	▲
1960s	558	#1383	▲
1950s	91	#2939	▲
1940s	11	#3665	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(75 years, 1946–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Jamal
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	175	#1183	-36 (-17.1%)
2023	211	#1036	+10 (5.0%)
2022	201	#1086	-66 (-24.7%)
2021	267	#868	+23 (9.4%)
2020	244	#916	-14 (-5.4%)
2019	258	#860	-47 (-15.4%)
2018	305	#768	-3 (-1.0%)
2017	308	#762	-45 (-12.7%)
2016	353	#703	+23 (7.0%)
2015	330	#739	+24 (7.8%)
2014	306	#766	+3 (1.0%)
2013	303	#752	-42 (-12.2%)
2012	345	#689	-5 (-1.4%)
2011	350	#675	-57 (-14.0%)
2010	407	#609	-3 (-0.7%)
2009	410	#613	-46 (-10.1%)
2008	456	#567	-26 (-5.4%)
2007	482	#533	-32 (-6.2%)
2006	514	#505	-39 (-7.1%)
2005	553	#463	-36 (-6.1%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Jamal as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Jamal has also been given to 266 girls in the U.S. since 1966.

Unranked

Current rank

266

Total births

1976

Peak year

Compare Jamal as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Jamal be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Jamal is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1183. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Jamal has two lives

Jamal, the baby name

#1183boys

33,063 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1946–2024) · Methodology