Jamey Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: JAY-mee //ˈdʒeɪmi//
Origin: English; Hebrew
Meaning: English: Supplanter; Hebrew: He who supplants
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Jamey is derived from the name James, which has its roots in the Hebrew name Ya'aqov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' This name was translated into Greek as Iakobos, which later evolved into Latin as Iacobus. The name underwent further transformation in Old French as James, before being adopted into Middle English.
The variant Jamey likely emerged as a diminutive or affectionate form of James, reflecting a common linguistic practice of creating variations of names to convey familiarity or endearment. Historically, the name James has significant milestones, particularly in the context of biblical figures.
James is notably the name of two apostles in the New Testament, often referred to as James the Less and James the Just. The name gained prominence in Christian tradition, especially after the translation of the Bible into English, with the King James Version published in 1611, which further solidified the name's cultural resonance.
Additionally, several kings of Scotland and England bore the name, including James I of England, who was also James VI of Scotland, reigning from the early 17th century. Culturally, the name James and its variants, including Jamey, have been associated with qualities such as leadership and strength, often linked to the historical figures who bore the name.
The name has also been used in various literary and artistic contexts, contributing to its enduring legacy. Jamey, as a diminutive, carries a sense of warmth and approachability, reflecting the broader cultural significance of the name James throughout history.
Famous people named Jamey
Fictional characters named Jamey
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Jamey was first seen in the United States in 1944. Jamey has ranked as high as #694 nationally, which occurred in 1976, and has been most popular in Ohio, Georgia, California, North Carolina, and Alabama. In the past 5 years the name Jamey has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Jamey (1996)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| IN | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1944 | 5 |
| 1947 | 8 |
| 1948 | 5 |
| 1950 | 6 |
| 1951 | 6 |
| 1952 | 11 |
| 1953 | 9 |
| 1954 | 12 |
| 1955 | 18 |
| 1956 | 21 |
| 1957 | 44 |
| 1958 | 59 |
| 1959 | 71 |
| 1960 | 63 |
| 1961 | 66 |
| 1962 | 86 |
| 1963 | 64 |
| 1964 | 80 |
| 1965 | 90 |
| 1966 | 64 |
| 1967 | 110 |
| 1968 | 114 |
| 1969 | 170 |
| 1970 | 294 |
| 1971 | 316 |
| 1972 | 387 |
| 1973 | 388 |
| 1974 | 394 |
| 1975 | 402 |
| 1976 | 430 |
| 1977 | 332 |
| 1978 | 240 |
| 1979 | 239 |
| 1980 | 184 |
| 1981 | 171 |
| 1982 | 115 |
| 1983 | 95 |
| 1984 | 113 |
| 1985 | 120 |
| 1986 | 76 |
| 1987 | 74 |
| 1988 | 71 |
| 1989 | 76 |
| 1990 | 69 |
| 1991 | 64 |
| 1992 | 69 |
| 1993 | 47 |
| 1994 | 58 |
| 1995 | 41 |
| 1996 | 49 |
| 1997 | 45 |
| 1998 | 28 |
| 1999 | 28 |
| 2000 | 20 |
| 2001 | 20 |
| 2002 | 35 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 26 |
| 2006 | 22 |
| 2007 | 19 |
| 2008 | 32 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 21 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2019 | 25 |
| 2020 | 23 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 20 |