Jamilah Girl

Popularity: #905 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: jah-MEE-lah //dʒəˈmiːlə//

Origin: Arabic; Swahili

Meaning: Arabic: beautiful; Swahili: one who is beautiful

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Jamilah has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "jamal," which means "beauty." The earliest forms of the name can be traced back to classical Arabic, where it has been used for centuries to denote not only physical beauty but also inner beauty and grace. The name has been adopted into various cultures and languages, often retaining its original meaning, and has entered English through transliteration from Arabic, particularly during the periods of increased cultural exchange between the Arab world and the West, especially in the medieval era and later during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Historically, the name Jamilah has been borne by notable figures in Islamic culture. It is often associated with the virtues of beauty and kindness, which are highly valued in many Islamic traditions.

The name appears in various historical texts and literature, reflecting the cultural significance of beauty in both a literal and metaphorical sense. In the Islamic tradition, beauty is often linked to moral and spiritual qualities, making Jamilah a name that embodies a holistic view of beauty.

The name has also been referenced in poetry and prose throughout the centuries, highlighting its enduring appeal. Culturally, Jamilah resonates with themes of elegance and virtue, making it a favored choice in many Arabic-speaking communities.

The name's feminine form is often celebrated in literature and art, symbolizing not just physical attractiveness but also the beauty of character and spirit. Related forms of the name, such as Jamil, are used for males, emphasizing the shared linguistic roots while distinguishing gender.

Overall, Jamilah's historical and cultural significance underscores its lasting presence in various societies, reflecting the universal appreciation for beauty in its many forms.

Famous people named Jamilah

In this section, you will find notable people named Jamilah. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Jamilah who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Jamilah who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Jamilah Lemieux is a writer and cultural critic best known for her work with Ebony, The Root, and her commentary on race and gender issues.

Jamilah Nasheed is an activist and community organizer best known for her work in social justice and advocacy for marginalized communities.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Jamilah, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

AminaFatimaLaylaZaraSamiraNadia

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Jamilah. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

JamilaAmiraKhadijaAaliyahZainabMariamSanaaNura

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Jamilah was first seen in the United States in 1965.

Jamilah has ranked as high as #2283 nationally, which occurred in 1977, and has been most popular in New York, California, Illinois, Florida, and New Jersey.

In the past 5 years the name Jamilah has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Jamilah is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Jamilah was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Jamilah.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 43 0 43
2024 44 0 44
2023 61 0 61
2022 36 0 36
2021 59 0 59
2020 50 0 50
2019 66 0 66
2018 72 0 72
2017 45 0 45
2016 52 0 52
2015 47 0 47
2014 58 0 58
2013 63 0 63
2012 48 0 48
2011 56 0 56
2010 37 0 37
2009 53 0 53
2008 43 0 43
2007 43 0 43
2006 45 0 45
2005 42 0 42
2004 40 0 40
2003 33 0 33
2002 43 0 43
2001 57 0 57
2000 43 0 43
1999 62 0 62
1998 43 0 43
1997 53 0 53
1996 42 0 42
1995 53 0 53
1994 59 0 59
1993 70 0 70
1992 59 0 59
1991 46 0 46
1990 45 0 45
1989 51 0 51
1988 46 0 46
1987 49 0 49
1986 54 0 54
1985 62 0 62
1984 44 0 44
1983 42 0 42
1982 49 0 49
1981 40 0 40
1980 37 0 37
1979 68 5 63
1978 56 5 51
1977 79 6 73
1976 51 0 51
1975 27 0 27
1974 22 0 22
1973 19 0 19
1972 20 0 20
1971 12 0 12
1970 11 0 11
1969 5 0 5
1968 5 0 5
1966 6 0 6
1965 6 0 6

Top States for Jamilah (2024)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
FL 5
100%