Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Journey
GirlEnglish, French· “a trip, a day's travel”
- Meaning
- a trip, a day's travel
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- JUR-nee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #411
- US babies 2025
- 757
- Best rank
- #226 (2018)
- Peak year
- 2018
Meaning and origin of Journey
Journey is an English and French name that means “a trip, a day's travel”.
Journey is the English word for a trip or passage from one place to another, and figuratively for the course of a life. It comes from the Old French journee, a day's travel or a day's work, from the Latin diurnum, day. As a given name Journey is a modern American choice, mostly for girls, carrying a sense of adventure, discovery and growth. It belongs with other hopeful word names such as Haven and Destiny. The spelling Journie is also used, and Jo or Jojo can serve as nicknames.
Popularity over time
Journey first appears in US Social Security records in 1981. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 26 different years, starting in 1999. Its best national rank was #226 in 2018, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,397 babies. In 2025, 757 babies were named Journey, and it ranked #411 nationally. That is 35% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,192 in 2000, #419 in 2010, and #411 in 2025. Of the 20,882 US girls named Journey since records began, 52% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 5,949 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Raegan, Kali, Samara, Briella, and Camilla.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Journey ranked highest in Hawaii, Alabama, and Georgia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #148 | 6 |
| Alabama | #180 | 25 |
| Georgia | #227 | 47 |
| Mississippi | #227 | 12 |
| Virginia | #278 | 30 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 92% of US babies named Journey over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Journey is usually pronounced JUR-nee, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with J and ends in “-ey”.
Middle names for Journey
A few middle names that flow with Journey: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Journey
Similar names
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BAY-lee
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“from a French place name” · French
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AW-bree
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“heather clearing” · English
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Marley Girl
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“pleasant wood or clearing” · English
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Harley Unisex
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Lists that include Journey
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Journey mean?
Journey is an English and French name that means “a trip, a day's travel”.
What is the origin of the name Journey?
Journey has English and French roots. Journey is the English word for a trip or passage from one place to another, and figuratively for the course of a life.
Is Journey a popular name?
Yes. Journey ranked #411 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Journey a boy or girl name?
Journey is mainly a girl's name. About 92% of US babies named Journey over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Journey?
Journey is usually pronounced JUR-nee. 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