Jaleel is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the word "jāhilīyah," which refers to the pre-Islamic period in Arabia. It means "age of ignorance" or "era of darkness." However, it's important to note that this name has been popularized and adapted by different cultures over time, leading to various interpretations and spellings.
The name Jaleel gained prominence through its association with prominent historical figures and literary characters. One such figure is Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, scholar, and Sufi mystic. Although his name is often spelled differently (Jalal ad-Din), it is believed that the name Jaleel is derived from the same root.
In some cultures, the name Jaleel has been adopted as a variation of the name "Jalil," which means "majestic" or "glorious." This adaptation further adds to the diversity and complexity of the name's meaning and origin.
Despite its origins in pre-Islamic Arabia, the name Jaleel has been embraced by various communities around the world. It is often chosen for its unique sound and historical significance. Today, it is considered a unisex name, with both boys and girls being given this distinctive moniker.
The name Jaleel has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past five decades. In the early 1970s, the name was given to fewer than ten babies each year, with only six births recorded in 1971.
However, the trend began to change in the late 1980s and early 1990s. There were significant increases in the number of births registered with the name Jaleel during this period. In 1990, there were 29 babies named Jaleel, compared to just six in 1987. The following year saw an even more dramatic increase, with 144 births recorded.
The peak of popularity for the name Jaleel was reached in 1994 and 1995, with 255 and 237 babies named respectively. This level of popularity was maintained over the next few years, with around 200 babies named Jaleel each year until the end of the century.
Despite a slight decline at the turn of the millennium, the name Jaleel continued to be popular throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Between 2000 and 2019, an average of around 125 babies were named Jaleel each year.
However, in recent years, the popularity of the name has begun to decline again. In 2020 and 2021, there were only 89 and 104 births recorded respectively. And in 2023, the number of babies named Jaleel dropped even further, with just 80 births registered.
Overall, since 1971, a total of 4768 babies have been given the name Jaleel in the United States. While the popularity of the name has fluctuated over the years, it remains a relatively uncommon choice for parents, particularly compared to more traditional names like John or James.