Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jimmy
BoyEnglish, Hebrew· “holder of the heel, supplanter”
- Meaning
- holder of the heel, supplanter
- Origin
- English, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- JIH-mee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #847
- US babies 2025
- 291
- Best rank
- #41 (1944)
- Peak year
- 1947
Meaning and origin of Jimmy
Jimmy is an English and Hebrew name that means “holder of the heel, supplanter”.
Jimmy is a pet form of James, which comes through Latin from the Hebrew Ya'aqov, the name of the patriarch Jacob, traditionally explained as "holder of the heel" or "supplanter". Jimmy has been used as a friendly nickname for centuries and became a common given name in its own right in the United States during the twentieth century. Famous bearers include Jimmy Stewart, the film actor, and Jimmy Carter, a president of the United States. The name feels warm, boyish and approachable. Many parents give James on the birth certificate and use Jimmy at home, though it also stands on its own.
Other spellings with the same sound: Jimmie, Jimi.
Popularity over time
Jimmy first appears in US Social Security records in 1883. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 138 different years, starting in 1883. Its best national rank was #41 in 1944, and the most babies received it in 1947, when 7,881 were named Jimmy. In 2025, 291 babies were named Jimmy, and it ranked #847 nationally. That is 40% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #325 in 1920, #55 in 1950, #126 in 1980, #272 in 2000, #373 in 2010, and #847 in 2025. Of the 288,737 US boys named Jimmy since records began, 22% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 54,892 babies. Since 2010, 7,256 more have been named Jimmy.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Willie, Roy, Johnny, Ronnie, and Wayne.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jimmy ranked highest in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Nevada.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Jimmy is usually pronounced JIH-mee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with J and ends in “-my”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Jimmie and Jimi.
Middle names for Jimmy
A few middle names that flow with Jimmy: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jimmy
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Lists that include Jimmy
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jimmy mean?
Jimmy is an English and Hebrew name that means “holder of the heel, supplanter”.
What is the origin of the name Jimmy?
Jimmy has English and Hebrew roots. Jimmy is a pet form of James, which comes through Latin from the Hebrew Ya'aqov, the name of the patriarch Jacob, traditionally explained as "holder of the heel" or "supplanter".
Is Jimmy a popular name?
Yes. Jimmy ranked #847 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Jimmy a boy or girl name?
Jimmy is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Jimmy?
Jimmy is usually pronounced JIH-mee. 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