Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Jim is a diminutive of the name James, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'supplanter.' The name has evolved through various languages from Yaakov to Jim. It is commonly associated with a friendly demeanor and gained popularity in the 19th century. Although Jim has no direct biblical background, it is tied to the biblical Jacob. Variants include James and Jimmy, and notable figures with this name include Jim Carrey and Jim Morrison.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/dʒɪm/
Origin
English
Etymology
Jim is a diminutive form of the name James, which derives from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob) and means 'supplanter' or 'one who follows.'
Meaning
supplanter
Language Evolution
Yaakov (Hebrew), Iacobus (Latin), Jacobus (Old French), James (Middle English), Jim (Modern English)
Biblical Background
Jim does not have a direct biblical reference as it is a diminutive of James, which is derived from the biblical Jacob.
Historical Usage
The name Jim gained popularity in the 19th century as a common diminutive for James, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Variants & Derivatives
James, Jimmy, Jem
Modern Popularity & Image
Jim is often perceived as a friendly and approachable name, commonly associated with a down-to-earth personality.
Famous People
Jim Carrey, Jim Morrison, Jim Henson
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,696 peak births in 1959
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Wyoming
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 155th of 7545 | 16,122 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 85th of 6773 | 43,472 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 105th of 7552 | 65,219 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 231st of 10718 | 16,029 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 664th of 16616 | 3,497 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1505th of 24088 | 1,501 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2987th of 23106 | 483 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2180th of 9107 | 281 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2286th of 9204 | 256 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4299th of 12526 | 158 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 9197th of 19264 | 56 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 27321st of 27321 | 5 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
14.90% 211th/1416 |
33.43% 461st/1379 |
4.44% 105th/2366 |
9.63% 110th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
4.08% 63rd/1546 |
13.82% 215th/1556 |
4.67% 110th/2353 |
2.39% 37th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
3.32% 74th/2227 |
6.58% 160th/2430 |
5.33% 152nd/2853 |
2.02% 56th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
6.20% 182nd/2937 |
9.91% 345th/3483 |
7.65% 269th/3518 |
4.55% 184th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
20.98% 773rd/3685 |
24.00% 1074th/4475 |
12.38% 643rd/5194 |
8.55% 540th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
47.40% 2172nd/4582 |
42.62% 2201st/5164 |
19.24% 1407th/7313 |
16.40% 1224th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
83.98% 3768th/4487 |
40.99% 2796th/6822 |
35.60% 2234th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
60.02% 1420th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
95.75% 2253rd/2353 |
- |
| 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) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity 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 in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Wyoming across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Silent Generation 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, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 155th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 85th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 105th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 231st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 664th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1505th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2987th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2180th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2286th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4299th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 9197th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 27321st out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.