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Jim Boy

Popularity: #901 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationjim / dʒɪm

English; Hebrew

Meaning

English: Supplanter; Hebrew: God will increase

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Jim 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 adapted into Greek as Iakobos and subsequently into Latin as Iacobus. The transition into Old French occurred during the Norman Conquest, where it became Jacques. The English form James emerged in the 13th century, and Jim is a diminutive form that developed later, particularly in the 19th century as a familiar or affectionate variant of James.

Historically, the name James has significant biblical associations, notably with two apostles: James the Greater and James the Lesser. The name gained prominence in the Christian tradition, particularly due to King James I of England, who commissioned the King James Version of the Bible in 1611. This translation played a crucial role in shaping English literature and religious thought, further solidifying the name's importance in the cultural and historical landscape of England.

Culturally, Jim has been associated with various symbolic meanings, often embodying qualities of strength and leadership, reflective of its biblical roots. The name has appeared in numerous literary works and folk traditions, contributing to its resonance in Western culture. The diminutive Jim has also been used in various contexts, including folklore and popular culture, often representing the everyman or a relatable character. Overall, the name Jim, through its lineage from James, carries a rich historical and cultural significance that has endured through the centuries.

Trend Summary

Jim has seen a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Jimmy
  • Jimmie

International Variants

  • Jaime (Spanish)
  • Jacques (French)
  • Giacomo (Italian)

Famous people named Jim

Jim Carrey is an actor and comedian best known for The Truman Show, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and Dumb and Dumber.

Jim Parsons is an actor best known for The Big Bang Theory, Hidden Figures, and Young Sheldon.

Jim Henson was a puppeteer and filmmaker best known for The Muppets, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock.

Jim Brown is a former professional football player best known for his career with the Cleveland Browns and his impact on the NFL.

Jim Croce was a singer-songwriter best known for Time in a Bottle, Bad, Bad Leroy Brown, and Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels).

Jim Jarmusch is a filmmaker best known for Stranger Than Paradise, Down by Law, and Paterson.

Jim Belushi is an actor and comedian best known for According to Jim, Saturday Night Live, and The Blues Brothers.

Jim Sturgess is an actor and musician best known for Across the Universe, 21, and One Day.

Jim Gaffigan is a comedian and actor best known for his stand-up specials, The Jim Gaffigan Show, and Hot Pockets commercials.

Jim Lee is a comic book artist and publisher best known for co-founding Image Comics and his work on Batman: Hush.

Fictional characters named Jim

Jim Hawkins is a fictional character from the novel Treasure Island. He is the young protagonist who embarks on a dangerous adventure to find buried pirate treasure.

Jim Halpert is a fictional character from the TV series The Office. He is a salesman known for his pranks on his deskmate and his romantic interest in Pam Beesly.

Jim Gordon is a fictional character from the DC Comics universe. He is a police commissioner in Gotham City who often collaborates with Batman to fight crime.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Jim was first seen in the United States in 1880. Jim has ranked as high as #153 nationally, which occurred in 1959, and has been most popular in California, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri. In the past 5 years the name Jim has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Jim (2023)

StateBirthsShare
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880345
1881323
1882396
1883322
1884346
1885370
1886389
1887339
1888362
1889328
1890336
1891288
1892334
1893255
1894287
1895278
1896281
1897252
1898269
1899261
1900399
1901239
1902300
1903257
1904266
1905236
1906261
1907281
1908220
1909259
1910331
1911245
1912401
1913473
1914513
1915668
1916684
1917774
1918827
1919848
1920838
1921879
1922881
1923867
1924992
19251,124
19261,165
19271,293
19281,237
19291,290
19301,464
19311,520
19321,765
19331,875
19342,207
19352,244
19362,268
19372,347
19382,497
19392,636
19402,715
19412,843
19423,514
19433,682
19443,744
19453,624
19464,337
19474,640
19483,808
19492,725
19501,930
19511,595
19521,523
19531,535
19541,593
19551,699
19562,188
19573,543
19584,922
19595,687
19605,549
19615,351
19624,712
19634,237
19643,645
19652,772
19662,197
19671,806
19681,502
19691,427
19701,259
1971934
1972707
1973585
1974541
1975441
1976420
1977408
1978359
1979369
1980302
1981320
1982313
1983279
1984256
1985207
1986222
1987241
1988215
1989193
1990219
1991184
1992195
1993167
1994171
1995158
1996157
1997129
1998123
1999104
2000120
2001105
2002117
2003101
2004102
200592
200697
200779
200888
200961
201064
201161
201258
201360
201463
201542
201643
201737
201839
201939
202040
202137
202234
202326
202423