Jewel is a unique and captivating female given name of English origin. The name is derived from the Old English word 'gygel', which means 'jewelled' or 'gems'. It is also associated with the Middle English term 'jouel', meaning 'jewel'.
The name Jewel has been popular throughout history, but it gained significant attention in recent years due to its use by celebrities. Most notably, American singer-songwriter Jewel Kilcher, known professionally as just Jewel, rose to fame in the 1990s with her hit album "Pieces of You". This exposure contributed to a resurgence in popularity for the name.
In terms of its historical context, Jewel was often used during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period. It was typically given to girls born into wealthy or noble families due to its luxurious connotations. However, it remained relatively uncommon compared to other names from this era.
Today, Jewel is still considered a unique choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughter. Its meaning and association with precious gems make it an appealing option. Despite its popularity among celebrities, Jewel remains less common than many other popular girl's names, making it a rare but meaningful choice.
The name Jewel has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, with its popularity ebbing and flowing over time. According to records from 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 41,177 babies named Jewel born in the US.
In the late 19th century, the name was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year between 1880 and 1896. However, its popularity began to grow in the early 20th century, with over 300 births each year from 1904 onwards.
The highest number of Jewel births recorded was in 1997, with a total of 330 newborns sharing this name. This period saw a significant peak in popularity for the name, which then declined steadily throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Despite its decrease in popularity, Jewel has remained a reasonably common name over the past two decades. Between 2000 and 2023, there were an average of around 250 births per year with this name, with fluctuations ranging from a low of 187 in 2023 to a high of 333 in 2017.
Overall, the name Jewel has had a consistent presence in the United States since the late 19th century, experiencing periods of varying popularity but remaining relatively stable over time.