Jelani Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Jelani originates from Swahili, meaning 'mighty' or 'powerful.' It has evolved from its original form and is recognized for its strong connotation. Jelani has no biblical relevance but has gained popularity in recent decades, symbolizing cultural pride and strength. Notable individuals with this name contribute to its positive image.
The name Jelani is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Jelani has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Jelani' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1659th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1214th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1317th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1682nd out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 15428th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8942nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7686th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3634th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Jelani' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Jelani"
Pronunciation
/dʒəˈlɑːni/
Origin
Swahili
Etymology
The name Jelani comes from the Swahili word meaning 'mighty' or 'powerful.' It reflects strength and capability.
Meaning
mighty, powerful
Language Evolution
Jelani
Historical Usage
The name Jelani has gained popularity in various communities since the late 20th century, particularly among those of African descent, as it reflects cultural heritage and strength.
Variants & Derivatives
Jelanie, Jelany
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Jelani is perceived as a strong and unique name, often associated with positive traits such as resilience and leadership.
Famous People
Jelani Aliyu - Nigerian-American automotive designer, Jelani Cobb - American journalist and author
Explore More Jelani Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Jelani"
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 "Jelani"
"Jelani" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1659th of 10718 | 458 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1214th of 16616 | 1,190 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1317th of 24088 | 1,846 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1682nd of 23106 | 1,157 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 15428th of 19264 | 12 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8942nd of 27321 | 116 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 7686th of 35406 | 232 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3634th of 30306 | 514 |
Regional Popularity of "Jelani" 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) |
39.60% 1163rd/2937 |
36.58% 1274th/3483 |
54.18% 1906th/3518 |
29.33% 1186th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
41.17% 1517th/3685 |
16.72% 748th/4475 |
32.31% 1678th/5194 |
19.33% 1221st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
31.34% 1436th/4582 |
18.16% 938th/5164 |
17.75% 1298th/7313 |
18.00% 1343rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
42.22% 1682nd/3984 |
31.85% 1429th/4487 |
21.09% 1439th/6822 |
39.32% 2468th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Jelani" 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
71.37% 3194th/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
80.27% 4145th/5164 |
- |
83.68% 6245th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
67.24% 3017th/4487 |
37.16% 2535th/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "Jelani"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Jelani" 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.