Jones is a Welsh surname of patronymic origin, meaning "son of John." It is derived from the personal name John, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious" or "God has favored." The use of Jones as a family name began in Wales during the Middle Ages, and it quickly became one of the most common surnames in that region.
The earliest known records of the surname Jones date back to the early 14th century in Wales. One of the first individuals to bear this name was David ap John ap Gwilym ap Gruffudd, who was born around 1320. Over time, Jones became associated with various regions and families within Wales, but it remained consistently linked to the personal name John.
Today, Jones is not only one of the most common surnames in Wales but also a well-known name around the world due to its widespread use among Welsh emigrants. It has been carried by notable individuals such as the American musician Tom Jones, the Canadian actor Catherine Jane "Kate" Jones (better known by her stage name, Catherine Zeta-Jones), and the American basketball player LeBron Raymone "LeBron" James (whose mother's maiden name is Jones).
In summary, the surname Jones has a rich history that dates back to medieval Wales. Its meaning and origin are deeply rooted in Welsh culture and tradition, making it an iconic and instantly recognizable name around the globe.
The statistics provided show the annual birth rate of babies named Jones in the United States from 1880 to 2023. Over this period, there have been significant fluctuations in the number of newborns given the name Jones.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of births per year was relatively low, with fewer than 50 babies named Jones born annually between 1880 and 1945. However, there were some peaks during this time, such as in 1916 when 64 babies were named Jones at birth.
From the mid-20th century onwards, the number of births per year began to rise steadily. Between 1950 and 1989, the annual birth rate for babies named Jones ranged from a low of 7 in 1973 to a high of 44 in 1988.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of newborns named Jones. Between 2005 and 2023, the annual birth rate for babies named Jones ranged from a low of 30 in 2006 to a high of 251 in 2021. This represents a substantial rise compared to previous decades.
Overall, over the period of 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 4767 births where babies were named Jones in the United States.