Jamil is a name of Arabic origin, meaning "beautiful" or "handsome." It is derived from the Arabic word "jami," which means "beauty." The name Jamil has been used historically as both a masculine and feminine given name in various Muslim cultures.
In literature, one of the most famous bearers of the name Jamil was the poet Jamil al-Umawi (786-841), who was known for his love poetry. He was born into a noble family and became a renowned poet during the Abbasid period. His works often revolved around themes of love, beauty, and nature.
The name Jamil has also been used by notable figures throughout history, such as Jamil al-Din al-Afghani (1838-1897), an influential Islamic philosopher and political activist who played a significant role in the Muslim reform movement. Additionally, there have been several saints named Jamil, most notably Saint Jamil of Damascus, a Christian martyr from the 4th century.
In modern times, Jamil has become increasingly popular as both a masculine and feminine given name in various parts of the world, particularly among Muslims. It is often chosen for its positive meaning and cultural significance. Despite its Arabic origins, Jamil can be used across different cultures and religions due to its universally appealing meaning.
The name Jamil has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. From only 5 births recorded in 1931, its usage rose steadily until it peaked at 23 births in 1965. The 1970s marked a turning point with a substantial jump in popularity, reaching 85 births in 1974 and peaking at 214 births in 1991.
However, after the late 1990s, the number of babies named Jamil began to decline. Despite this decrease, it remained relatively stable, with over 60 births annually from 2000 to 2019. In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in its popularity, with 75 births recorded in 2023.
Overall, since 1931, a total of 7,374 babies have been named Jamil in the United States. While it may not be as popular now as it was in its peak years, the name Jamil continues to be used consistently and has a notable presence among American baby names.