The name Jalen has a modern, appealing sound that resonates with many parents today. But what is the story behind this name? How popular is Jalen, and what other names are similar? Let’s delve into the details.
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Jalen Name Popularity
How popular is the name Jalen? Examining historical trends provides valuable insight. According to Social Security Administration (SSA) data, Jalen’s journey to popularity is relatively recent. The name remained virtually unused until the early 1990s.
Key milestones in Jalen’s popularity:
- Early Usage (Pre-1991): The name Jalen saw negligible use before 1991, registering zero births in the SSA records.
- 1991: A mere 6 births were recorded, ranking the name at 2,419.
- 1992: A significant jump to rank 375 with 583 births, representing 0.0365% of total births.
- Peak Popularity (2000-2003): Jalen reached its peak in the early 2000s, achieving a rank of 106 in 2000 with 3,504 births (0.2294% of total births). The years following maintained high rankings, with over 2,500 births annually.
- Recent Trends (2004-2023): Since 2004, Jalen’s popularity has gradually declined, settling at rank 432 in 2023 with 693 births (0.0535% of total births). While still popular, the numbers suggest a cooling trend.
Yearly Popularity Data (Selected Years):
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1990 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1991 | 2,419 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1992 | 375 | 583 | 0.0365% |
| 1993 | 217 | 1,361 | 0.0873% |
| 1994 | 182 | 1,688 | 0.11% |
| 1995 | 210 | 1,384 | 0.0918% |
| 1996 | 221 | 1,343 | 0.0897% |
| 1997 | 275 | 987 | 0.0667% |
| 1998 | 204 | 1,560 | 0.1042% |
| 1999 | 172 | 2,015 | 0.1346% |
| 2000 | 106 | 3,504 | 0.2294% |
| 2001 | 128 | 3,100 | 0.2057% |
| 2002 | 145 | 2,675 | 0.1785% |
| 2003 | 155 | 2,599 | 0.1708% |
| 2004 | 190 | 1,999 | 0.1312% |
| 2005 | 212 | 1,688 | 0.1104% |
| 2006 | 229 | 1,562 | 0.0998% |
| 2007 | 270 | 1,247 | 0.079% |
| 2008 | 318 | 1,020 | 0.066% |
| 2009 | 360 | 814 | 0.0545% |
| 2010 | 389 | 694 | 0.0482% |
| 2011 | 397 | 679 | 0.0477% |
| 2012 | 468 | 536 | 0.0376% |
| 2013 | 501 | 496 | 0.0348% |
| 2014 | 552 | 452 | 0.031% |
| 2015 | 567 | 440 | 0.0302% |
| 2016 | 561 | 446 | 0.0309% |
| 2017 | 579 | 414 | 0.0297% |
| 2018 | 544 | 460 | 0.0335% |
| 2019 | 514 | 498 | 0.0368% |
| 2020 | 536 | 477 | 0.0375% |
| 2021 | 522 | 523 | 0.0428% |
| 2022 | 519 | 532 | 0.0403% |
| 2023 | 432 | 693 | 0.0535% |
Data Source: SSA.gov
Names Like Jalen
If you’re drawn to the sound and style of Jalen, several other names offer a similar appeal. These can be variants, similar-sounding names, or names with a comparable modern feel.
Variants of Jalen:
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Popularity | Other Gender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaelan | ||||
| Jaelin | Yes | |||
| Jaelon | ||||
| Jailin | ||||
| Jaillen | ||||
| Jaillin | ||||
| Jailon | ||||
| Jalan | ||||
| Jalin | Calm | Greek | Yes | |
| Jalon | Calm | Greek | ||
| Jayelan | ||||
| Jayelen | ||||
| Jaylan | American | Yes | ||
| Jaylon | Calm | Greek | ||
| Jaylonn |
Names That Sound Like Jalen:
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Popularity | Other Gender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalenn | American | |||
| Jaylen | Created name | American |
Meaning and Origin
While a definitive, universally accepted meaning for Jalen is elusive, it’s generally considered a modern, created name, possibly a combination of "Jay" and "Len" or similar sounds. Some believe it could also be linked to Greek roots, specifically related to the meaning "calm," similar to Jalin and Jalon.
Usage and Cultural Significance
Jalen, being a more recent name, doesn’t carry deep historical or cultural baggage. This can be a positive for parents seeking a fresh, modern choice. It’s a name often associated with athleticism, intelligence, and charisma, perhaps influenced by notable individuals named Jalen in sports and entertainment.
Jalen in Summary
Jalen is a contemporary name that rose to prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Its popularity peaked around the year 2000 and has since experienced a gradual decline. While its precise meaning remains open to interpretation, it’s often perceived as a stylish and energetic choice for baby boys. If you are considering Jalen, exploring its popularity trends and similar-sounding names can help you make a well-informed decision. The name Jalen offers a modern appeal.