Jamie is a gender-neutral given name of Scottish origin, derived from the Scottish form of the Latin name Jacobus, which means "supplanter" or "held by the heel." In the Bible, Jacob was born holding onto his twin brother Esau's heel, and so his name signifies that he would eventually supplant him.
The name Jamie is believed to have entered popular use in Scotland during the Middle Ages. It was originally used as a pet form of James, which itself is derived from Jacobus through the French form Jacques. However, over time, Jamie has come to be seen as an independent given name rather than just a diminutive of James.
In English-speaking countries, Jamie became particularly popular in the latter half of the 20th century. It was often used for boys but could also be given to girls, making it a unisex name. Today, Jamie is still widely used and continues to be popular as both a first and middle name.
Notable people named Jamie include Scottish actor Jamie Dornan, American singer-songwriter Jamie Foxx, and Canadian ice hockey player Jamie Benn. Despite its popularity, the name Jamie does not have any specific cultural or traditional associations beyond its Scottish origins and biblical significance. Instead, it is often chosen by parents for its simplicity, versatility, and appealing sound.
The name Jamie has a rich history in the United States, with its popularity ebbing and flowing over the years. The earliest record of the name Jamie being given to babies was in 1884, with five births that year.
From 1884 to 1945, the number of babies named Jamie remained relatively low, fluctuating between five and 226 births per year. However, starting in 1946, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Jamie, with 337 babies being given the name that year.
The peak in popularity for the name Jamie came in 1975, with a total of 4,233 births. This was followed by an even greater peak in 1976, with 12,538 babies named Jamie. However, this high point was short-lived, and the popularity of the name began to decline again.
By the year 2000, the number of babies named Jamie had decreased significantly, with only 2,156 births that year. This downward trend continued, and in 2023, there were just 358 babies named Jamie.
Overall, from 1884 to 2023, a total of 270,222 babies have been named Jamie in the United States. While the name's popularity has fluctuated over time, it remains a beloved and enduring choice for parents across generations.