Jamala

“The name Jamala is widely recognized in Arabic cultures, where it embodies the notion of beauty (جمال)” — Embodies the notion of beauty (جمال)

Arabic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1794US 2023

406Births / yr

→Stable

103All-time births

📅 Since 197200

How to pronounce Jamala

JAM·AL·uh

/ˈdʒæm.ˈæl.ə/ · stress on JAM · 3 syllables

“The name Jamala is widely recognized in Arabic cultures, where it embodies the notion of beauty (جمال)”

Embodies the notion of beauty (جمال) · Arabic origin

What does Jamala mean and where does it come from?

The name Jamala is widely recognized in Arabic cultures, where it embodies the notion of beauty (جمال). It is also found in Hebrew where its interpretation can link to faith as 'gift from God' (ג׳מאלה). The name gained popularity in various regions due to its melodious sound and pleasant meaning. No

Cultural significance

Jamala has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of arabic.

Peak popularity

Reached #5683 in 1979 — currently #1794 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Jamala?

Jamala works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Jamala Grace

How popular is Jamala right now?

Holding steady — currently #1794 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#1794 · Top 1.3%

1975

1985

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1794	406	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1799	386	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021	#1804	356	▲ up 8202 · +5833% births
1985	#10006	6	▼ down 4077 · -40% births
1975	#5929	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Jamala

Best Year2023Rank #1794

Peak Count406

Average Rank#4266

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1975 - 20235 years

The story of Jamala

Jamala is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1972. With 103 total births recorded, Jamala remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5929 in 1975 to #1794 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Jamala in 1979:

Jennifer Melissa Amanda Jessica Amy

Jamala by decade

Jamala peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1970s ★	61
1980s	32
1990s	5
2000s	5

💎Jamala has only 103 total recorded births since 1972 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Jamala?

Common

JamJamieJamyAla

Famous people named Jamala

Jamala (Sufi mystic)

Jamala used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

Jamala (Islamic scholar)

Jamala bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

Jamala (Quranic figure)

Jamala appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

Jamala (Arab poet)

Jamala carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.

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What names sound and feel like Jamala?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jamala also consider these

Jamila

Arabic · beautiful, graceful

American · A unique blend,

Jamayla

American · African American Vernacular

Janala

India · Bengali

Najala

Arabic · نَجْلَة‎ - 'a

Babala

Arabic · A Arabic name

Common questions about the name Jamala

What does the name Jamala mean?

Jamala means "Arabic" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Jamala?

Jamala is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Jamala?

Jamala originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Jamala?

Jamala is a three-syllable name pronounced JH AE1 M AE1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Jamala?

Jamala pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.