Jaleel is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the word "jāhilīyah," which refers to the pre-Islamic period in Arabia. It means "age of ignorance" or "era of darkness." However, it's important to note that this name has been popularized and adapted by different cultures over time, leading to various interpretations and spellings.
The name Jaleel gained prominence through its association with prominent historical figures and literary characters. One such figure is Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, scholar, and Sufi mystic. Although his name is often spelled differently (Jalal ad-Din), it is believed that the name Jaleel is derived from the same root.
In some cultures, the name Jaleel has been adopted as a variation of the name "Jalil," which means "majestic" or "glorious." This adaptation further adds to the diversity and complexity of the name's meaning and origin.
Despite its origins in pre-Islamic Arabia, the name Jaleel has been embraced by various communities around the world. It is often chosen for its unique sound and historical significance. Today, it is considered a unisex name, with both boys and girls being given this distinctive moniker.
The name Jaleel experienced significant popularity from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, with a peak of 255 births in 1994 and consistent high numbers until around 2000. However, its popularity has since declined steadily, reaching an all-time low of 80 births in 2023. Over the entire period from 1971 to 2023, a total of 4768 babies were named Jaleel.