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Jamaal

♂ Boy

Jamaal Pronunciation

Jamaal is pronounced jah-MAHL /dʒɑˈmɑl/High

Meaning: Beauty, grace; double-a spelling of Jamal, from Arabic jamalHigh

In 30 seconds: Beauty, spelled with conviction: Jamaal doubles the a of Jamal — the Arabic word for beauty itself — a 1970s American embrace that basketball signed permanently.

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Origin HighArabic

MeaningBeauty, grace; double-a spelling of Jamal, from Arabic jamal

U.S. rank (2024)#3406 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births34 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1982

Total births (all-time)≈ 8,516

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Jamaal doubles the long vowel of Jamal — Arabic jamal, 'beauty, grace', from the root that also yields Jamil. The name surged in 1970s Black America alongside the broader embrace of Arabic names; congressman Jamaal Bowman and a line of NBA Jamaals (Wilkes, Magloire) carry the spelling.

It remains an uncommon classic — a generation's statement name now reading simply handsome and established.

Did you know? NBA scoring legend Jamaal Wilkes — nicknamed 'Silk' for his smoothness — wore this double-a spelling, a name meaning beauty earned on the hardwood.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Jamal — etymology

Variations

JamalJamelJamil

Nicknames

JamMaal

Famous Bearers

★Jamaal Wilkes (1953–present)
American Hall of Fame NBA forward, four-time champion nicknamed 'Silk'.

If you like Jamaal…

Jamal— the standard spelling of the same beauty

Jamil— the adjective sibling, 'beautiful'

Kamal— the companion Arabic virtue, 'perfection'

Bilal— lands in the same popularity range

Faisal— echoes that soft -al sound

→ See all names like Jamaal

Browse the whole category: All Arabic names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Jamaal?

Jamaal is pronounced jah-MAHL (/dʒɑˈmɑl/). Press play above to hear Jamaal said aloud.

How do you say Jamaal?

Jamaal is said jah-MAHL (/dʒɑˈmɑl/). Press play above to hear Jamaal said aloud.

What does the name Jamaal mean?

Jamaal is a spelling of Jamal, Arabic for 'beauty' or 'grace'.

Is Jamaal a boy or girl name?

Jamaal is a boy's name.

How popular is Jamaal?

Jamaal is an uncommon name in the U.S. today.