Find out how popular the first name Jamel has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jamel by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Jamel is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Jamel being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 55 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Jamel.

The history of the first name Jamel

The name Jamel is of Arabic origin and has its roots in the ancient Semitic languages. It is believed to be derived from the Arabic word "jamal," which means "beauty" or "camel." The name can also be traced back to the Hebrew name "Gamliel," which means "reward of God."

In the early days of Islam, the name Jamel was commonly used among Arab populations, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. It was a popular choice for boys, reflecting the cultural values of beauty, grace, and strength associated with camels in the desert regions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jamel can be found in the works of renowned Arab scholars and historians from the 8th and 9th centuries. For example, the famous Muslim historian Ibn Khaldun mentioned a scholar named Jamel al-Din al-Idrisi in his writings.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jamel. Among them was Jamel al-Din al-Afghani (1838-1897), an Islamic philosopher and political activist who played a significant role in the late 19th century pan-Islamic movement. Another prominent figure was Jamel Eddine Al-Qaisi (1917-1976), a Syrian poet and writer known for his contributions to modern Arabic literature.

In the realm of sports, Jamel Debbouze (born 1975) is a French actor, comedian, and filmmaker of Moroccan descent who has gained international recognition for his work in both French and Hollywood productions.

The name Jamel has also been associated with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. For instance, Jamel Shabazz (born 1960) is an American photographer renowned for his captivating portraits that document the hip-hop culture and urban life in New York City during the 1980s and 1990s.

Another notable figure is Jamel Herring (born 1985), an American professional boxer who held the WBO junior lightweight title from 2019 to 2022, showcasing the name's reach beyond its Arabic roots.

While the name Jamel has its origins in the Arabic and Semitic languages, it has transcended cultural boundaries and gained recognition across various regions and communities throughout history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Jamel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Jamel, please contact us.

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