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

Jennings is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 298 recorded births.

When was Jennings most popular?

Jennings reached its peak popularity in 1926 with 113 births that year. It is currently ranked #1957 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Jennings?

Jennings is currently ranked #1957 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 4,792 babies since 1892.

Jennings

An uncommon Old French pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsOld FrenchRising fast Also a pet name

#1957▲ 19in 2024

Meaning & Origin

An English surname originating as a patronymic.

Jennings is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old French origin, an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Jenkin,' itself a medieval diminutive of John, meaning 'God is gracious.' As a given name, it carries the polished appeal of surname-style names.

Jennings has a sophisticated, preppy quality — the kind of name that sounds equally at home in a boardroom and on a school playground, with over 4,700 U.S. births confirming its steady appeal.

Compare Jennings with another name

Popularity Over Time

Jennings climbed 4000 spots in the last 20 years — from #5957 to #1957.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Jennings
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	400	#1929	▼
2010s	481	#2928	▲
2000s	161	#5332	▲
1990s	155	#4302	—
1980s	164	#3011	▲
1970s	151	#2675	▼
1960s	223	#1784	▼
1950s	339	#1331	▼
1940s	497	#957	▼
1930s	600	#811	▼
1920s	893	#690	▲
1910s	462	#831	▲
1900s	107	#863	▼
1890s	159	#699	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(132 years, 1892–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Jennings
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	80	#1957	+2 (2.6%)
2023	78	#1976	-3 (-3.7%)
2022	81	#1925	-9 (-10.0%)
2021	90	#1776	+19 (26.8%)
2020	71	#2009	-14 (-16.5%)
2019	85	#1808	0
2018	85	#1800	+35 (70.0%)
2017	50	#2545	-12 (-19.4%)
2016	62	#2193	+18 (40.9%)
2015	44	#2738	+16 (57.1%)
2014	28	#3730	-22 (-44.0%)
2013	50	#2479	+26 (108.3%)
2012	24	#4194	-2 (-7.7%)
2011	26	#3940	-1 (-3.7%)
2010	27	#3856	+8 (42.1%)
2009	19	#5017	-3 (-13.6%)
2008	22	#4457	+7 (46.7%)
2007	15	#5774	-6 (-28.6%)
2006	21	#4426	+8 (61.5%)
2005	13	#6021	0

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

Jennings as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Jennings has also been given to 298 girls in the U.S. since 1993.

#5195

Current rank

298

Total births

2021

Peak year

Compare Jennings as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Jennings be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Jennings is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1957. As a girl's name, it ranks #5195.

Jennings has two lives

Jennings, the baby name

#1957boys

4,792 babies

Currently viewing

Jennings, the pet name

#6797pet name

9 pets

View pet page →

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1892–2024) · Methodology