Jamaica Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Jamaica originates from the Taíno word 'Xaymaca', meaning 'land of wood and water'. Its linguistic path evolved from the indigenous Taíno language to English. The name reflects the island's rich natural resources. While there is no biblical relevance, Jamaica is recognized globally for its cultural contributions, particularly in music and athletics.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Jamaica"
Pronunciation
/dʒəˈmeɪkə/
Origin
Taíno
Etymology
The name 'Jamaica' is derived from the Taíno word 'Xaymaca', which means 'land of wood and water'.
Meaning
land of wood and water
Language Evolution
Xaymaca (Taíno), Jamaica (English)
Historical Usage
The name Jamaica was first recorded by Christopher Columbus in 1494, and it gained popularity as the island became known to Europeans.
Variants & Derivatives
Xaymaca, Jamaïque (French), Jamaica (Spanish)
Modern Popularity & Image
Jamaica is currently perceived as a vibrant and culturally rich island known for its music, particularly reggae, and its natural beauty.
Famous People
Bob Marley, Usain Bolt, Marcus Garvey, Nelly Furtado
📊 Jamaica Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Jamaica Name Visualizations
✨ Jamaica Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 69 peak births in 1977
Geographic Spread
Popular across 11 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Jamaica" - Complete Guide (5 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Jamaica". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 5 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Jamaica" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Jamaica"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Jamaica"
"Jamaica" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7089th of 10718 | 26 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 15579th of 16616 | 6 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3405th of 19264 | 310 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2616th of 27321 | 689 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4914th of 35406 | 426 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 10643rd of 30306 | 107 |
Regional Popularity of "Jamaica" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Jamaica" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
52.18% 2110th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
62.58% 2306th/3685 |
- |
59.03% 3066th/5194 |
59.54% 3761st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
100.00% 4582nd/4582 |
- |
74.32% 5435th/7313 |
66.78% 4984th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "Jamaica"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Jamaica" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Jamaica" in the United States
The name Jamaica is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Jamaica has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Jamaica' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7089th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15579th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3405th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2616th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4914th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 10643rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Jamaica' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.