The name Jalen has been on everyone’s mind lately, thanks to the impressive performance of Jalen Brunson, the MVP of the NBA Finals-winning New York Knicks. But what’s behind the name’s popularity, and is it really a guarantee of future athletic success?
The Origins of Jalen
The name Jalen was unknown until the ‘fab five’ freshmen, featuring Jalen Rose, led the University of Michigan to the NCAA basketball finals in 1991. Rose’s name struck a chord with parents, leading to a generation of young Jalens, including Jalen Brunson, born in 1996.
According to Laura Wattenberg, a baby name researcher and creator of Namerology, the name Jalen has a ‘fresh’ appeal that originally captured the attention of parents looking for new name ideas. However, it may also be a way for fans to commemorate a championship or celebrate a memory.
Jalen in the NBA
In March 2026, GQ tallied up the number of Jalens in the NBA, and the results were impressive. In addition to Brunson, several other players with the same name have made a name for themselves on the court.
Colleen Slagen, a baby name consultant and author of ‘Naming Bebe,’ suggests that parents who like the name Jalen but are wary of its popularity could consider alternative names like Jay, Case, or Carter.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
