Jameson
BoyEnglish, Scottish· “son of James”
- Meaning
- son of James
- Origin
- English, Scottish
- Pronunciation
- JAYM-suhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #137
- US babies 2025
- 2,609
- Best rank
- #77 (2019)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Jameson
Jameson is an English and Scottish name that means “son of James”.
Jameson is an English and Scottish surname meaning "son of James". James is the English form of Jacob, from the Hebrew Yaakov, traditionally explained as "holder of the heel" or "supplanter". As a first name Jameson offers a modern route to the classic James, and it fits the popular pattern of surname names ending in -son. The Irish whiskey brand founded by John Jameson has made the name widely recognized. Jameson feels friendly and polished, with a comfortable three-syllable rhythm when pronounced slowly. Jamie and James are ready-made nicknames, and Jem is another option.
Popularity over time
Jameson first appears in US Social Security records in 1922. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 54 different years, starting in 1969. Its best national rank was #77 in 2019, the same year it reached its highest count of 4,674 babies. In 2025, 2,609 babies were named Jameson, and it ranked #137 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,931 in 1950, #1,014 in 1980, #738 in 2000, #277 in 2010, and #137 in 2025. Of the 61,883 US boys named Jameson since records began, 46% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 21,927 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Axel, Leonardo, Carson, Declan, and Ryker.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jameson ranked highest in Wyoming, Maine, and New Hampshire.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | #50 | 9 |
| Maine | #51 | 20 |
| New Hampshire | #57 | 24 |
| Michigan | #58 | 142 |
| West Virginia | #66 | 27 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Jameson over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Jameson is usually pronounced JAYM-suhn, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with J and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Jameson
A few middle names that flow with Jameson: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jameson
Similar names
Lists that include Jameson
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jameson mean?
Jameson is an English and Scottish name that means “son of James”.
What is the origin of the name Jameson?
Jameson has English and Scottish roots. Jameson is an English and Scottish surname meaning "son of James".
Is Jameson a popular name?
Yes. Jameson ranked #137 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Jameson a boy or girl name?
Jameson is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Jameson over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Jameson?
Jameson is usually pronounced JAYM-suhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings