Jelani Unisex
Origin(s)
Pronunciationjeh-LAH-nee / dʒəˈlɑːniSwahili
Meaning
Mighty; powerful
Historical & Cultural Background
Jelani is a name of Swahili origin, commonly used in East Africa. It reflects strength and power, qualities that are often valued in various cultures. The name is part of a broader trend of using African names that convey positive attributes. It has gained popularity in various communities, particularly among those seeking to celebrate African heritage.
Trend Summary
Jelani has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States, particularly among parents looking for unique names with cultural significance.
Similar Names
Variants
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Famous people named Jelani
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Fictional characters named Jelani
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Jelani was first seen in the United States in 1973. Jelani has ranked as high as #1114 nationally, which occurred in 1998, and has been most popular in New York, California, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Jelani has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Jelani (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| GA | 16 | |
| TX | 7 | |
| IL | 6 | |
| NY | 6 | |
| OH | 6 | |
| VA | 5 | |
| NC | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1973 | 36 |
| 1974 | 53 |
| 1975 | 46 |
| 1976 | 55 |
| 1977 | 70 |
| 1978 | 61 |
| 1979 | 66 |
| 1980 | 71 |
| 1981 | 54 |
| 1982 | 61 |
| 1983 | 38 |
| 1984 | 58 |
| 1985 | 38 |
| 1986 | 38 |
| 1987 | 62 |
| 1988 | 64 |
| 1989 | 64 |
| 1990 | 82 |
| 1991 | 110 |
| 1992 | 96 |
| 1993 | 98 |
| 1994 | 102 |
| 1995 | 112 |
| 1996 | 113 |
| 1997 | 121 |
| 1998 | 151 |
| 1999 | 116 |
| 2000 | 143 |
| 2001 | 124 |
| 2002 | 133 |
| 2003 | 130 |
| 2004 | 128 |
| 2005 | 103 |
| 2006 | 114 |
| 2007 | 84 |
| 2008 | 99 |
| 2009 | 103 |
| 2010 | 100 |
| 2011 | 110 |
| 2012 | 87 |
| 2013 | 80 |
| 2014 | 69 |
| 2015 | 90 |
| 2016 | 99 |
| 2017 | 100 |
| 2018 | 84 |
| 2019 | 90 |
| 2020 | 89 |
| 2021 | 102 |
| 2022 | 129 |
| 2023 | 131 |
| 2024 | 94 |