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Jim
♂ Boy
Pronounced JIM /ˈdʒɪm/High
Meaning: Short form of James — from Hebrew Yaakov (Jacob), 'supplanter, holder of the heel'High
In 30 seconds: Plain-spoken and classic: Jim shortens James — 'supplanter'. Friendly, sturdy, and timeless (Jim everyman).
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningShort form of James — from Hebrew Yaakov (Jacob), 'supplanter, holder of the heel'
U.S. rank (2025)#3159 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births38 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1959
Total births (all-time)≈ 153,121
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Jim is a short form of James — from Hebrew Yaakov (Jacob), 'supplanter, holder of the heel'. A friendly, sturdy, timeless nickname-name.
It registers thinly on its own today. Rare now, supplanter at the root, and sturdy.
Did you know? James comes from Hebrew Yaakov (Jacob), 'supplanter' — Jim is its sturdy, friendly short form, an everyman classic.
Overall data confidence 82%
Behind the Name — James — root etymology
Variations
JamesJimmyJamie
Nicknames
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Jim mean?
Jim shortens James — Hebrew 'supplanter'.
How do you pronounce Jim?
It's said JIM /ˈdʒɪm/ — a single syllable.
Is Jim a boy or girl name?
Jim is a boy's name.
How popular is Jim?
Jim is a rare name on its own in the U.S. today.