Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Jewel
GirlEnglish, French· “jewel, precious stone”
- Meaning
- jewel, precious stone
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- JOO-uhl
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,514
- US babies 2025
- 141
- Best rank
- #198 (1904)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Jewel
Jewel is an English and French name that means “jewel, precious stone”.
Jewel is the English word for a precious stone or ornament, from the Old French jouel, possibly related to the Latin jocus, meaning plaything or joke. As a given name it expresses the idea of someone precious and cherished, in the style of Treasure and Precious. Jewel was used in the American South in the early twentieth century and was carried by both girls and boys. The singer-songwriter known simply as Jewel made the name familiar to a new generation. It is short, shining and easy to spell, and it pairs well with classic middle names.
Popularity over time
Jewel has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 113 different years. Its best national rank was #198 in 1904, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 826 were named Jewel. In 2025, 141 babies were named Jewel, and it ranked #1,514 nationally. That is 55% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #228 in 1920, #471 in 1950, #1,199 in 1980, #604 in 2000, #922 in 2010, and #1,514 in 2025. Of the 41,485 US girls named Jewel since records began, 19% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 5,513 babies. Since 2010, 4,177 more have been named Jewel.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lizzie, Etta, Leola, Eleanore, and Jewell.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jewel ranked highest in Georgia, Oklahoma, and Indiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | #695 | 15 |
| Oklahoma | #767 | 5 |
| Indiana | #974 | 6 |
| North Carolina | #1012 | 9 |
| Tennessee | #1041 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Jewel over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Jewel is usually pronounced JOO-uhl, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with J and ends in “-el”.
Middle names for Jewel
A few middle names that flow with Jewel: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jewel
Similar names
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Lists that include Jewel
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jewel mean?
Jewel is an English and French name that means “jewel, precious stone”.
What is the origin of the name Jewel?
Jewel has English and French roots. Jewel is the English word for a precious stone or ornament, from the Old French jouel, possibly related to the Latin jocus, meaning plaything or joke.
Is Jewel a popular name?
Not especially. Jewel ranked #1,514 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Jewel a boy or girl name?
Jewel is mainly a girl's name. About 96% of US babies named Jewel over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Jewel?
Jewel is usually pronounced JOO-uhl. 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