Jamison is a masculine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Seumas Mac an t-Sionnaich," which means "James, son of the servant of Sionnach." Sionnach is a Scottish surname that translates to "fox."
The name Jamison has been in use for centuries in Scotland and other parts of the British Isles. It was typically given to boys born into families with the surname MacSionnach or its variants, such as MacShane or McShane.
Historically, the name Jamison has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most well-known is Jamison Collins, a Scottish poet and songwriter from the 18th century who was known for his compositions about love and nature. Another notable figure is James MacSionnach (also spelled MacShane), a Scottish rebel leader who fought against English rule in the 17th century.
Today, Jamison remains a popular choice among parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their sons. While it may not be as common as some other Scottish names like Duncan or Logan, Jamison's rich history and distinctive sound make it an attractive option for many families.
In terms of its spelling and pronunciation, the name Jamison is typically written with two 's' sounds followed by a long 'i' sound, like "JAY-mih-suhn." However, some people may pronounce it with just one 's,' making it sound more like "JAH-mih-suhn." Ultimately, how the name is pronounced can vary depending on personal preference and regional accents.
The name Jamison has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, there were fewer than 10 births per year with this name. However, starting in the mid-1970s, there was a noticeable increase in its usage, with over 20 births per year reported from 1977 onwards.
The name reached peak popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with over 70 births per year recorded between 1996 and 2005. During this period, Jamison was often among the top 300 names for newborn boys in the United States.
However, since around 2006, there has been a steady decline in its popularity. In recent years, fewer than 40 births per year have been reported with this name, suggesting that it is no longer as commonly chosen as it once was.
In total, from 1956 to 2023, there were 1,909 recorded births of the name Jamison in the United States. Despite fluctuations over time, this figure demonstrates that Jamison has been a consistently used name for boys throughout recent history.