Jaime is a unisex given name of Spanish origin. It has two primary sources: the first being the diminutive form of James, which means "supplanter" or "seize by the heel," and is derived from the Hebrew name Jacob; the second source is the Occitan (language of southern France) name Jaime, which means "one who loves God" and has a similar etymology to the Spanish form.
The name Jaime gained popularity in Spain during the Middle Ages due to several historical figures. The most notable was Jaime I, also known as James I of Aragon, who ruled from 1213 until his death in 1276. He was renowned for his military conquests and for promoting cultural developments during his reign. This king's name has been passed down through generations in Spain, contributing to the enduring popularity of Jaime.
In Spanish-speaking countries today, Jaime is still a widely used given name for both boys and girls. It ranks among the top 50 names for newborns in Spain, with its usage being more prevalent among males than females. The name has also gained international recognition due to famous bearers such as Jaime King (American actress) and Jaime Lannister from the popular HBO series Game of Thrones.
In terms of translation, Jaime is typically rendered as James when used outside Spanish-speaking contexts. However, it can also be transliterated directly as "Jaime" in other languages like English or French to preserve its original pronunciation and cultural significance.
Overall, Jaime is a historic name with rich linguistic roots that has been embraced by various cultures over time. Its enduring popularity reflects the enduring appeal of its namesakes throughout history.
The given statistics provide an interesting overview of the popularity of the name Jaime in the United States over time. Starting from a modest seven births in 1916, the number of babies named Jaime began to rise steadily, reaching a peak of 143 births in 1949.
From the 1950s onwards, the popularity of the name Jaime continued to grow significantly. In 1952, there were 205 births, and by 1964, this number had more than doubled to 694 births. The trend persisted throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, with a record high of 1432 births in 1976.
However, from the mid-1970s onwards, we see a decline in the popularity of the name Jaime. Despite fluctuations, the overall trend shows a decrease in the number of babies named Jaime each year. By 2020, this number had fallen to 498 births, and in 2023, it stood at 490 births.
These statistics show how the popularity of a name can change over time, influenced by various factors such as cultural trends, personal preferences, and perhaps even the meaning or significance associated with the name. Despite its fluctuations in popularity, Jaime remains a unique and distinctive name that has been chosen for thousands of children in the United States over the past century.