Jane

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Jane

Gender Girl
Origin English
Letters 4
Syllables 2
Pronunciation jayn

Jane, which has 4 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of English origin.

Meaning of Jane

Gracious / merciful

Jane is a feminine given name derived from the Greek name Ioanna, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yochana, meaning “God is gracious.” The name Jane is also associated with the Latin word for “gracious” and the French name Jehanne, meaning “God is gracious.” Jane is a popular name in the English-speaking world, and is one of the most common names for women in the United States.

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Meaning Gracious / merciful
Origin English
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #269 in 2024 Rising
Rarity (US) Uncommon (Top 500)
Era Vintage (1940s)

Background & History of The Name Jane

Jane is a common female given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old French name Jehanne, which is a feminine form of the name John. The etymology of the name John can be traced back to the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The name Jane gained popularity in the Middle Ages and has remained consistently popular over the centuries. It has been a favorite choice for parents around the world due to its simplicity, elegance, and timeless appeal.

Jane has been known to have various spelling variations and forms in different cultures and languages. In addition to Jane, popular variations include Jeanne in French, Gianina in Italian, and Juana in Spanish. It is also used as a nickname for longer names such as Janice, Janet, and Janelle.

Throughout history, many notable women have borne the name Jane. One of the most famous of these is the English novelist Jane Austen, known for her novels like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, which have become classics of English literature. Another remarkable woman named Jane was Jane Goodall, a world-renowned primatologist and conservationist known for her extensive research on chimpanzees.

The name Jane has gained popularity in popular culture as well. It has appeared in numerous books, movies, and TV shows, often representing strong and independent female characters. In addition, it has been a popular choice for fictional characters such as Jane Eyre, the eponymous protagonist of Charlotte Brontë's famous novel.

In conclusion, the name Jane is a timeless and beloved choice for parents worldwide. With its rich history, simplicity, and associations with remarkable women, it continues to be a popular and enduring name for baby girls.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Jane over the years.

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