Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Jewel

Jewel is an English vocabulary word that defines an ornamental accessory made of a gemstone in some setting of gold, silver or other metal. The English adopted the word from the Norman French (“juel”) sometime in the late 13th century which was a word used to describe an “article of value used for adornment” (today the French word for jewel is “bijou”). The French borrowed the word from Latin “jocale” which is related to “jocus” or “that which causes joy” (same place the English got their words “joke” and “jest”). The term Jewel is also used for a prized example of a person or thing; and, colloquially starting in the 1920s, “jewel” was used in reference to a male testicle (as in “the family jewels”). For the most part, when it comes to naming babies, Jewel is considered a beautiful ornament of a precious gemstone – something to be cherished and something that brings joy. As a given name, Jewel is used primarily in North America (i.e., the United States and Canada) as well as Australia.

All About the Baby Name – Jewel

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME JEWEL

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME JEWEL

We were very surprised to see how long Jewel has existed on the Top 1000 list of American baby girl names. This one goes back to at least 1880 (which is as far back as we have available data). In 1904 Jewel managed to squeak a spot onto the Top 200 list. In fact, Jewel was a pretty moderate favorite up through the 1930s. The name began to decline around this time and then dropped off the radar almost completely in the 1970s, 80s and most of the 90s. Then – BOOM – Jewel came roaring back onto the Top 1000 list in 1997 as the remarkable position of #665 and then to #516 the following year. While these are not super high numbers, it’s an impressive resurrection nonetheless. What spurred on the sudden interest in this name back in the late 1990s was singer/guitarist Jewel Kilcher (known simply as Jewel) who came bursting onto the music scene with the release of her top-selling debut album “Pieces of You” (1995). The frenzy over Jewel’s name died down as fast as it took hold; today Jewel is a low ranking name barely holding on to the Top 1000 list. American parents are now more interested in other “jewel” names like Jade, Ruby and Pearl.

Quick Facts

ON JEWEL

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

899

PRONUNCIATION:

JOOL

SIMPLE MEANING:

Ornament, cause for joy

Characteristics

OF JEWEL

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Jewel

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME JEWEL

Jewel is the main character in Bret Lott’s 1991 novel “Jewel” selected by Oprah Winfrey as one of her Books of the Month. In the backwoods of Mississippi, a land of honeysuckle and grapevine, Jewel and her husband, Leston, are truly blessed; they have five fine children. When Brenda Kay is born in 1943, Jewel gives thanks for a healthy baby, last-born and most welcome. Jewel is the story of how quickly a life can change; how, like lightning, an unforeseen event can set us on a course without reason or compass. In this story of a woman's devotion to the child who is both her burden and God's singular way of smiling on her, Bret Lott has created a mother-daughter relationship of matchless intensity and beauty, and one of the finest, most indomitable heroines in contemporary American fiction.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME JEWEL

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Jewel


Popular Songs

ON JEWEL

Ruby Jewel Was Here
a song by Allison Moorer

Precious Jewel
a song by Roy Acuff

Mama's Little Jewel
a song by Del Reeves

Momma's Little Jewel
a song by Mott the Hoople

Jewel In My Crown
a song by Chynna Phillips

Jewel
a song by The Cranes

Jewel Drop
a song by Kashmir

Jewel Eyed Judy
a song by Fleetwood Mac

European Jewel
a song by Jandek

Famous People

NAMED JEWEL

Jewel Kilcher (musician known simply as Jewel)
Jewel Ens (former baseball player and manager)
Jewel Mische (Filipina actress)
Jewel Staite (Canadian actress)
Jewel Shepard (actress)
Jewel De'Nyle (porn star)

Children of Famous People

NAMED JEWEL

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME JEWEL

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