Jewell is a unique and distinctive female given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "jewel", which means a precious stone or gem. The name Jewell therefore signifies something that is valuable, beautiful, and rare.
The use of the name Jewell can be traced back to the 19th century, but it was not until the mid-20th century that it began to gain popularity as a given name for girls. Today, Jewell is still relatively uncommon, but it has been used consistently throughout the years and has gained some notable popularity in recent decades.
One famous bearer of the name Jewell is American singer-songwriter Jewel Kilcher, who was born with the name Jewel. She adopted her last name from her mother's maiden name after she began performing professionally at the age of sixteen. Jewel became known for her unique sound and raw storytelling lyrics during the 1990s and has since become one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Overall, Jewell is a beautiful and meaningful name with a rich history behind it. Its significance as a precious gem makes it an excellent choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter that also holds deep meaning.
The name Jewell has a rich history and popularity in the United States, with notable fluctuations over time. In the late 19th century, its popularity was relatively low, with fewer than 10 births each year between 1883 and 1892. However, starting from 1896, there was a noticeable increase in popularity, with more than 15 births annually until 1901.
The early 20th century marked a significant period for the name Jewell, with its peak popularity occurring between 1912 and 1923. During this time, the number of annual births ranged from 66 to 139, reaching an all-time high of 139 births in 1923. This period saw a steady increase in the name's popularity, indicating its appeal during this era.
After World War II, the popularity of the name Jewell began to decline, with fewer than 50 births annually from 1946 onwards. This downward trend continued throughout the mid-20th century, and by the late 1950s, there were fewer than 30 annual births.
The latter half of the 20th century saw further declines in popularity for the name Jewell, with consistently low numbers of births each year. Between 1978 and 2003, there were fewer than 15 annual births on average, indicating a significant decrease in its popularity compared to previous decades.
In recent years, however, there has been some resurgence in the popularity of the name Jewell, with more than 5 births annually since 2004. While this number is still relatively low compared to its peak popularity earlier in the century, it suggests that the name may be experiencing a modest revival among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children.
Overall, the statistics reveal that while the name Jewell has seen fluctuating levels of popularity throughout history, it has maintained a consistent presence as a given name in the United States. Its peak popularity occurred during the early 20th century, but its enduring appeal can still be observed today through recent birth records.