Jean Unisex
Origin(s)
Pronunciationzhahn / /ʒɑ̃/French; Hebrew
Meaning
French: God is gracious; Hebrew: gift from God
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Jean has its roots in the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." This name was adapted into Greek as Ioannes and subsequently into Latin as Iohannes. The name made its way into Old French as Jehan, which later evolved into Jean. The transition into English occurred during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it was adopted in various forms, including John and its feminine counterpart, Jean, which became more prominent in later centuries.
Historically, the name Jean has been borne by numerous notable figures, including saints and monarchs. One of the most significant early bearers was Saint John the Baptist, a key figure in Christianity, whose life and teachings are chronicled in the New Testament. The name also appears in various forms in the King James Bible, published in 1611, which helped to standardize many biblical names in English-speaking cultures. In medieval France, the name Jean was common among nobility, contributing to its association with leadership and piety.
Culturally, the name Jean has resonated through various traditions and artistic expressions. In French culture, it has been linked to a sense of elegance and sophistication, often appearing in literature and art. The name has also been associated with several historical queens and influential women, further solidifying its significance in European history. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Jeanne have been used, particularly in French-speaking regions, enhancing the name's versatility and appeal across different cultures.
Trend Summary
The name Jean has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable decline in recent decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Jeanne
- Jan
- Joan
International Variants
- Giovanna (Italian)
- Johanna (German)
- Juana (Spanish)
Famous people named Jean
Jean-Paul Sartre is a philosopher and playwright best known for Being and Nothingness, No Exit, and Nausea.
Jean-Luc Godard is a film director best known for Breathless, Weekend, and Alphaville.
Jean-Claude Van Damme is an actor best known for Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and Universal Soldier.
Jean Reno is an actor best known for Léon: The Professional, The Da Vinci Code, and The Pink Panther.
Jean Sibelius is a composer best known for Finlandia, Violin Concerto, and Symphony No. 2.
Jean-Michel Jarre is a composer and electronic music producer best known for Oxygène, Équinoxe, and Zoolook.
Jean Harlow is an actress best known for Platinum Blonde, Dinner at Eight, and Bombshell.
Jean Stapleton is an actress best known for All in the Family, The Lion in Winter, and You’ve Got Mail.
Jean Smart is an actress best known for Designing Women, 24, and Hacks.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet is a film director best known for Amélie, Delicatessen, and A Very Long Engagement.
Fictional characters named Jean
Jean Valjean is a fictional character from the novel Les Misérables. He is an ex-convict who seeks redemption and a new life after being released from prison.
Jean Grey is a fictional character from the Marvel Comics universe. She is a powerful mutant known for her telepathic and telekinetic abilities, often associated with the X-Men.
Jean-Luc Picard is a fictional character from the TV and film franchise Star Trek. He is the captain of the starship USS Enterprise-D and a key figure in exploring the galaxy and promoting peace.
Jean-Pierre Polnareff is a fictional character from the manga and anime series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. He is a Stand user who plays a significant role in the battle against the main antagonist in his story arc.
Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is a fictional character from the novel Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. He is a gifted but disturbed individual obsessed with creating the perfect scent, leading him down a dark path.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Jean was first seen in the United States in 1880. Jean has ranked as high as #30 nationally, which occurred in 1927, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Jean has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Jean (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 17 | |
| TX | 9 | |
| NY | 5 | |
| UT | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 59 |
| 1881 | 44 |
| 1882 | 60 |
| 1883 | 83 |
| 1884 | 103 |
| 1885 | 99 |
| 1886 | 124 |
| 1887 | 112 |
| 1888 | 145 |
| 1889 | 171 |
| 1890 | 160 |
| 1891 | 181 |
| 1892 | 194 |
| 1893 | 215 |
| 1894 | 242 |
| 1895 | 232 |
| 1896 | 255 |
| 1897 | 258 |
| 1898 | 341 |
| 1899 | 318 |
| 1900 | 473 |
| 1901 | 329 |
| 1902 | 408 |
| 1903 | 462 |
| 1904 | 483 |
| 1905 | 548 |
| 1906 | 666 |
| 1907 | 770 |
| 1908 | 852 |
| 1909 | 940 |
| 1910 | 1,246 |
| 1911 | 1,381 |
| 1912 | 2,056 |
| 1913 | 2,545 |
| 1914 | 3,281 |
| 1915 | 4,603 |
| 1916 | 5,081 |
| 1917 | 5,692 |
| 1918 | 6,600 |
| 1919 | 6,799 |
| 1920 | 7,714 |
| 1921 | 8,592 |
| 1922 | 9,109 |
| 1923 | 9,511 |
| 1924 | 10,721 |
| 1925 | 11,598 |
| 1926 | 12,168 |
| 1927 | 12,512 |
| 1928 | 12,209 |
| 1929 | 11,865 |
| 1930 | 11,986 |
| 1931 | 11,013 |
| 1932 | 10,670 |
| 1933 | 9,966 |
| 1934 | 9,718 |
| 1935 | 8,852 |
| 1936 | 8,536 |
| 1937 | 8,392 |
| 1938 | 7,764 |
| 1939 | 7,292 |
| 1940 | 8,064 |
| 1941 | 7,840 |
| 1942 | 8,257 |
| 1943 | 8,096 |
| 1944 | 7,650 |
| 1945 | 7,428 |
| 1946 | 8,555 |
| 1947 | 8,940 |
| 1948 | 7,774 |
| 1949 | 7,760 |
| 1950 | 7,432 |
| 1951 | 7,627 |
| 1952 | 7,511 |
| 1953 | 7,571 |
| 1954 | 7,665 |
| 1955 | 7,480 |
| 1956 | 7,174 |
| 1957 | 7,049 |
| 1958 | 6,520 |
| 1959 | 6,234 |
| 1960 | 5,639 |
| 1961 | 5,366 |
| 1962 | 4,879 |
| 1963 | 4,483 |
| 1964 | 4,097 |
| 1965 | 3,365 |
| 1966 | 2,919 |
| 1967 | 2,546 |
| 1968 | 2,079 |
| 1969 | 1,908 |
| 1970 | 2,111 |
| 1971 | 1,776 |
| 1972 | 1,300 |
| 1973 | 1,110 |
| 1974 | 960 |
| 1975 | 883 |
| 1976 | 812 |
| 1977 | 765 |
| 1978 | 652 |
| 1979 | 658 |
| 1980 | 682 |
| 1981 | 605 |
| 1982 | 603 |
| 1983 | 525 |
| 1984 | 519 |
| 1985 | 466 |
| 1986 | 400 |
| 1987 | 381 |
| 1988 | 329 |
| 1989 | 348 |
| 1990 | 265 |
| 1991 | 274 |
| 1992 | 211 |
| 1993 | 214 |
| 1994 | 189 |
| 1995 | 159 |
| 1996 | 140 |
| 1997 | 137 |
| 1998 | 151 |
| 1999 | 109 |
| 2000 | 118 |
| 2001 | 112 |
| 2002 | 87 |
| 2003 | 89 |
| 2004 | 77 |
| 2005 | 80 |
| 2006 | 73 |
| 2007 | 86 |
| 2008 | 61 |
| 2009 | 46 |
| 2010 | 69 |
| 2011 | 58 |
| 2012 | 59 |
| 2013 | 63 |
| 2014 | 77 |
| 2015 | 67 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 76 |
| 2019 | 90 |
| 2020 | 75 |
| 2021 | 83 |
| 2022 | 73 |
| 2023 | 67 |
| 2024 | 75 |