58 Jamaican Baby Girl Names With Meanings
The exotic names from the festive land are all set for a cheer.
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Jamaican baby girl names are versatile and represent the country's beautiful landscapes, vibrant traditions, and history. These names also possess a strong sense of family ties or a feeling of community. Jamaica is the jewel of the Caribbean, being the third largest island of the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean. It is originally home to the indigenous Taíno people. To understand the origins and roots of Jamaican names, we need to explore the country’s extensive history of colonization. After the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1494, the Taíno people fell under Spanish rule. During their reign, African slaves were transported to the region to serve as laborers. It became a common practice for African-born slaves to give their children (Creoles) two names, one from their home in West Africa, possibly in their native language, and another that can be easily pronounced by their American children (1). By 1655, the island of Jamaica was conquered by another foreign power, England, now known as Great Britain. Under British rule, many of the slave workers were emancipated in 1838. Before their emancipation, in the year 1755, the Crown issued the ‘Reglement for Slaverne’ which required the Lutheran church to baptize the slave children. Christian names were given to both infants and adults who underwent baptism which explains why many Jamaicans have English names and surnames (1). This is how Jamaica became a melting pot of names influenced by the diversity of Taíno, Spanish, British, and African cultures. It is a common practice in Jamaican culture for people to have two middle names that are chosen by parents based on their personal preferences, traditions, and family ties. A distinction can be made between modern Jamaicans and traditional Jamaicans based on the names they choose. Modern Jamaicans prefer names that are connected to their family, while traditional Jamaicans will name their children after days of the week, which is an old tradition practiced by their slave ancestors. Another prevalent practice is the usage of nicknames, also known as ‘yard names.’ In some cases, these names are predominantly used over their given names (2). Begin your exploration of this extensive list with countless options to honor your Jamaican heritage, and find the perfect name that fits your little queen.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Amelia |  Girl | Hardworking and industrious | |
| Brianna | Girl | Noble; Exalted | |
| Gabrielle | Girl | God is my strength | |
| Jada | Girl | Gift; Precious stone | |
| Jayden |  Unisex | God will judge | |
| Tianna | Girl | Diminutive of Christiana; Follower of Jesus Christ | |
| Abigay | Girl | The joy or happiness of Yahweh or father of rejoicing | |
| Alvita | Girl | One who is vivacious and lively; One who spreads vivacity | |
| Amancia | Girl | Lover; One who loves unconditionally | |
| Amoy | Girl | Beautiful goddess | |
| Cedella | Girl | A beautiful princess | |
| Chandice | Girl | Extremely smart and talented | |
| Delyse | Girl | Delightful; A girl with a delightful disposition | |
| Deshane | Girl | God is merciful; Yahweh is gracious | |
| Durene | Girl | Someone with an enduring and everlasting personality | |
| Dymond | Girl | Another name for Diamond; Precious stone or gem | |
| Eralia | Girl | A woman who is well-spoken | |
| Ini | Girl | Time | |
| Ionie | Girl | A violet colored stone | |
| Irie | Girl | Cool; Peace; Harmony | |
| Iriye | Girl | Cool; One who believes in spreading peace or harmony | |
| Jaqweshia | Girl | Half part of a queen | |
| Kaleisha | Girl | A trong willed, full of energy, or beautiful woman | |
| Kalisa | Girl | Purely concentrated on the Almighty; The one who has given herself to God | |
| Karalana | Girl | A girl with a pure and peaceful personality | |
| Kemar | Unisex | Wealthy one | |
| Kenise | Girl | Beautiful; gorgeous | |
| Kimona | Girl | Resting | |
| Kiyana | Girl | Light; Deity | |
| Ladonya | Girl | Lady or woman | |
| Lakresha | Girl | Profit or profitable | |
| Latoria | Girl | Victorious one | |
| Martisha | Girl | Martial or warlike | |
| Peta-gay | Girl | Blessing from heaven | |
| Raeni | Girl | Queen; Like a queen | |
| Rasta | Unisex | Saved; Rescued | |
| Requiem | Girl | Rest | |
| Ronica | Girl | True image; Strong counsel | |
| Sabryna | Girl | Jamaican version of Sabrina; Princess | |
| Shaniece | Girl | God is gracious | |
| Shanise | Girl | God of wine; Mountain of Zeus | |
| Sharisha | Girl | Cherry | |
| Shenice | Girl | God is gracious and merciful | |
| Straleen | Girl | Star | |
| Tamila | Girl | Dearest to the heart | |
| Taniyah | Girl | A joyful and beautiful woman | |
| Tashelle | Girl | Born on Christmas day; Nativity ; Likeness to God | |
| Tiyanna | Girl | Jamaican variation of Tiana; Joy or happiness | |
| Trinika | Girl | Pure, triad, a trio or as in the Holy Trinity | |
| Tyonna | Girl | Princess | |
| Vea | Girl | Chief; Seen | |
| Vegas | Girl | Meadows | |
| Vinisha | Girl | Goddess of love; Humble | |
| Virtudes | Girl | Blessed spirit | |
| Xaviera | Girl | Feminine version of Xavier; Bright; Splendid | |
| Yanique | Girl | Unique, feminine, energetic | |
| Zekia | Girl | Pure | |
| Zhade | Girl | Princess of the African violet | |
These Jamaican baby girl names reflect their indigenous roots, colonial past, vibrant traditions, and the resilient spirit of the people. They encompass the rich history, unique traditions, and cultural diversity of the nation. With the influence of Spanish, British, and African cultures, the naming customs have evolved throughout the years. It is common for Jamaicans to have two middle names, both complementing each other. The usage of ‘yard names’ also maintains a sense of familiarity in the Jamaican community.
Infographic: Striking Jamaican Baby Girl Names With Meanings
From the birthplace of reggae and the home of the world’s fastest sprinter, these Jamaican baby girl names reflect the colorful tradition and culture of the land. These names exemplify the spiritual and feminine qualities derived from diverse languages. Check the infographic as we highlight a few interesting names. Pick your best-loved name for your precious little girl.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Jamaican names mean hope?
The Jamaican name that carries the meaning ‘hope’ is Hopeton. The meaning of the name is town of hope.
2. What Jamaican name means flower?
Mao (flowering), Fiorel (flower), and Yendi (beautiful flower) are some Jamaican names that mean flower.
3. What Jamaican name means lion?
Leoma is a Jamaican girl’s name meaning ‘lion.’
4. Can non-Jamaican parents give their baby girl a Jamaican name?
Yes. Parents from any culture or region can bestow a Jamaican name on their baby girl. However, it is important to consider the name’s meaning, connotations, and suitability before giving it to their daughter.
References
- Sarah Abel et al.; (2019);From Enslavement to Emancipation: Naming Practices in the Danish West Indies.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/comparative-studies-in-society-and-history/article/from-enslavement-to-emancipation-naming-practices-in-the-danish-west-indies/AA20B5B0CF67C8804CE1DAD3F203A1BA - Jamaica Personal Names.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Jamaica_Personal_Names
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
