After a song about basketball players named Jalen went viral on social media, we started wondering something: What are the most popular NBA names?

We know that four people named Jalen (though with different spellings) made the NBA All-Star Game this season: Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Jalen Duren and Jalen Johnson. It tied the record for the most same-name All-Stars in league history, per Zach Kram.

Advertisement

Here is more about the influence of former basketball star Jalen Rose on the name (via ESPN):

“When a name jumps fast, that means that there’s something going on, that something is influencing it,” said Jennifer Moss, founder and CEO of BabyNames.com. “Why wasn’t it anywhere on the charts before 1992? Well, of course, because it must have been influenced by Jalen Rose.”

Due to the popularity of the name, this song from Rainey Ovalle is catchy and fun and will get stuck in your head for a long time after you listen:

Pablo Torre once investigated whether or not former NBA player Rose was the first person ever with his name.

Either way, it has become one of the most common names in sports. There were even more than 100 collegiate players named Jalen in 2021, via Ken Pom.

Advertisement

But aside from Jalen, what other names are popular in basketball? We took a look for ourselves below.

1. JalenNew York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) defends Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half at the TD Garden.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) defends Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half at the TD Garden.

Total: 14

Also accepted: Jaylen, Jaylin, Jaylon

2026 NBA Draft Prospects: N/A

Jalen Duren (Pistons), Jalen Suggs (Magic), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Jalen Williams (Thunder), Jalen Johnson (Hawks), Jaylen Brown (Celtics), Jalen Smith (Bulls), Jaylin Williams (Thunder), Jaylen Wells (Grizzlies), Jalen Green (Suns), Jaylon Tyson (Cavaliers), Jaylen Clark (Timberwolves), Jalen Pickett (Nuggets), Jalen Wilson (Nets)

Advertisement

2. Isaiah

Total: 8

Also accepted: N/A

2026 NBA Draft Prospects: Isaiah Evans (Duke)

Isaiah Hartenstein (Thunder), Isaiah Joe (Thunder), Isaiah Stewart (Pistons), Isaiah Jackson (Clippers), Isaiah Livers (Suns), Isaiah Crawford (Rockets), Isaiah Collier (Jazz), Isaiah Stevens (Kings)

3. Jordan

Total: 7

Also accepted: N/A

2026 NBA Draft Prospects: N/A

Jordan Goodwin (Suns), Jordan Walsh (Celtics), Jordan Poole (Pelicans), Jordan Miller (Clippers), Jordan McLaughlin (Spurs), Jordan Clarkson (Knicks), Jordan Hawkins (Pelicans)

Advertisement

4. Tre

Total: 7

Also accepted: Trae, Trey, Trey

2026 NBA Draft Prospects: N/A

Trey Murphy III (Pelicans), Trae Young (Wizards), Tre Jones (Bulls), Tre Johnson (Wizards), Tre Mann (Hornets), Trey Alexander (Pelicans), Trey Jemison III (Knicks)

5. Cameron

Total: 6

Also accepted: Cam

2026 NBA Draft Prospects: Cameron Boozer (Duke), Cameron Carr (Baylor)

Cameron Johnson (Nuggets), Cam Spencer (Grizzlies), Cameron Payne (76ers), Cam Thomas (Bucks), Cam Whitmore (Wizards), Cam Christie (Clippers)

Advertisement

6. BrandonToronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) drives to the net against Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller (24) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena.

Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) drives to the net against Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller (24) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena.

Total: 6

Also accepted: Brandin, Branden

2026 NBA Draft Prospects: N/A

Brandon Miller (Hornets), Brandin Podziemski (Warriors), Brandon Ingram (Raptors), Brandon Clarke (Grizzlies), Brandon Williams (Mavericks), Branden Carlson (Thunder)

7. Kevin

Total: 6

Also accepted: Kevon

2026 NBA Draft Prospects: N/A

Kevin Durant (Rockets), Kevin Porter Jr. (Bucks), Kevin Huerter (Pistons), Kevin Love (Jazz), Kevon Looney (Pelicans), Kevin McCullar Jr. (Knicks)

Advertisement

8. Josh

Total: 5

Also accepted: N/A

2026 NBA Draft Prospects: Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State)

Josh Giddey (Bulls), Josh Hart (Knicks), Josh Okogie (Rockets), Josh Green (Hornets), Josh Minott (Nets)

9. Chris

Total: 5

Also accepted: N/A

2026 NBA Draft Prospects: Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston)

Chris Boucher (Jazz), Chris Youngblood (Thunder), Chris Paul (Clippers), Chris Livingston (Cavaliers), Chris Manon (Lakers)

10. John

Total: 5

Also accepted: Johnny

2026 NBA Draft Prospects: John Blackwell (Wisconsin)

Advertisement

John Collins (Clippers), John Konchar (Jazz), Johnny Furphy (Pacers), Johnny Juzang (Timberwolves), John Tonje (Celtics)

This article originally appeared on For The Win: What is the most popular name in the NBA aside from Jalen?