Jim

Jim is a masculine given name, typically a diminutive form of James. The name James derives from the Hebrew Ya’akov (Jacob) and entered English via Latin Iacobus and Medieval French Jacques. Jim became established as a distinct given name in its own right in the English-speaking world, conveying informality and familiarity. It is widely used in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.

As a nickname, Jim is commonly used with the formal name James, but it is also given independently. Variants include Jimmy and Jamie, while James remains its formal root. The form Jim remains especially prevalent in contemporary usage as a personable, approachable given name.

Notable people named Jim include Jim Morrison, American singer and songwriter; Jim Carrey, Canadian actor; Jim Henson, American puppeteer and creator of the Muppets; Jim Brown, American football Hall of Fame running back; Jim Lehrer, American journalist and news anchor; and Jim Parsons, American actor. Several others across sports, politics, and culture bear the name.

In fiction, Jim Hawkins is a protagonist in Treasure Island, and Jim Halpert is a main character in the U.S. version of The Office. The name is also used for a broad range of supporting characters, reflecting its status as a common English nickname and its long-standing popularity in literature and media.