Where did the baby name Jabraylin come from in 2013?

High school football player Ja'Braylin Thomas
Ja’Braylin Thomas

The rare name Jabraylin popped up in the U.S. baby name data for the first and only time in 2013:

  • 2015: unlisted
  • 2014: unlisted
  • 2013: 8 baby boys named Jabraylin [debut]
  • 2012: unlisted
  • 2011: unlisted

Why?

There may not be a reason. The name may have emerged naturally as a respelling of Jabraylon or Jabraylen, both of which had previously appeared in the data.

That said, if there is an influence, it could be high school football player Ja’Braylin Thomas — a 6-foot-6, 320-pound offensive tackle from small-town Texas. He was being recruited by college football programs during 2012, so his name was mentioned on several sports websites that year. (He ultimately opted for the University of Houston, though it looks like he didn’t play much once he got there.)

What are your thoughts on the name Ja’Braylin? How would you spell it?

P.S. The name Braylin (by itself) was given to 174 baby boys and 105 baby girls in 2013.

Sources:

Image: Screenshot of a Houston Athletics YouTube video

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