Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Jameson

Jameson is the transferred use of a patronymic surname meaning, quite literally, son of James. James is ultimately derived from the ancient Hebrew “Yaakov” which is the origin of the name Jacob, traditionally thought to be derived from the word "akev" - which literally translates to "at the heel". In Genesis 25:26, Jacob was born the younger twin to Isaac and Rebecca and he "came out with his hand holding Esau's heel, so his name was called Jacob." The Lord told Rebecca that the younger would be stronger, and that the older would serve the younger. As the Biblical story progresses, the cunning Jacob eventually supplants his older brother by stealing his birthright and his father's blessing. "Is he not rightly named Jacob?" Esau asks in Genesis 27:36. "For he has supplanted me these two times." Therefore, the name Jacob is also associated with the verb ‘to supplant.’ The Greek form of the name Jacob (Iakobos) was given to the Latin (Iacomus) which eventually got anglicized to James. The first recoded spelling of the surname came in the 14th century as Jamesson. As a given male name, Jameson has much more modern roots.

All About the Baby Name – Jameson

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME JAMESON

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME JAMESON

Jameson first appeared on the U.S. popularity charts in 1969, but it wouldn’t be until 1983 that the name really took hold of the charts. It has been on an upwards trajectory since the turn of the 21st century and seems to be growing in popularity. When you consider other surnames as first names, this trend is not surprising. Just think: Jackson, Harrison, and Jefferson. Perhaps an updated way of paying homage to your son’s father or grandfather by using these more modern renderings of their names. We can’t help but to think of Jameson Irish Whiskey or Jenna Jameson when we hear this name. We hope that doesn’t turn out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy! Jameson is already a top choice in the state of Wisconsin where it is ranked #97th (2010). Mason, Jackson, Carson and Grayson are currently the most popular of the “-son” surnames as first names. Jameson is still used moderately enough not to consider it an overused yawner. It can be shortened to the dignified James or the darling (but perhaps too gender neutral) Jamie.

Quick Facts

ON JAMESON

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

181

PRONUNCIATION:

JAY-mi-sən

SIMPLE MEANING:

Son of James, the supplanter

Characteristics

OF JAMESON

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Jameson

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME JAMESON

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Jameson

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME JAMESON

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Jameson


Popular Songs

ON JAMESON

Jenna Jameson
a song by Daycare Swindlers

Famous People

NAMED JAMESON

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Jameson.

Children of Famous People

NAMED JAMESON

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Jameson

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME JAMESON

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Jameson