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Jane Girl

Popularity: #252 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationJAYN / /dʒeɪn/

Hebrew; English; Latin

Meaning

Hebrew: God is gracious; English: feminine form of John; Latin: gift of God

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Jane has its roots in the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." This name was adopted into Greek as Ioannes and later into Latin as Johannes. From Latin, it made its way into Old French as Jehan, which eventually evolved into the feminine form Jane in Middle English. The transition into English occurred around the 13th century, where it became a popular name among English speakers, particularly after the Norman Conquest in 1066, which brought many French names into the English lexicon.

Historically, Jane has been borne by several notable figures, including Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, a 17th-century French saint who co-founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. The name also appears in significant literary works, such as Jane Eyre, the titular character of Charlotte Brontë's 1847 novel, which has had a lasting impact on English literature. Additionally, the name was popularized in England through various royal figures, including Jane Grey, who was queen for nine days in 1553, and is often remembered as a tragic figure in English history.

Culturally, Jane has been associated with qualities such as grace and favor, reflecting its etymological meaning. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms, such as Janie and Jan, which have been used affectionately throughout history. The enduring nature of the name Jane can be attributed to its simplicity, elegance, and the positive connotations associated with its meaning, making it a timeless choice across generations.

Trend Summary

Jane has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., peaking in the early 20th century and experiencing a decline in recent decades.

Similar Names

JoanJeanJadeJennaJoyceJanetJanice

Variants

  • Jayne
  • Jaine

International Variants

  • Giovanna (Italian)
  • Jeanne (French)
  • Yana (Russian)

Famous people named Jane

Jane Austen is a novelist best known for Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma.

Jane Goodall is a primatologist best known for her work with chimpanzees, the Jane Goodall Institute, and Roots & Shoots.

Jane Fonda is an actress and activist best known for Klute, Coming Home, and Grace and Frankie.

Jane Krakowski is an actress and singer best known for 30 Rock, Ally McBeal, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Jane Seymour is an actress best known for Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Live and Let Die, and Somewhere in Time.

Jane Campion is a filmmaker best known for The Piano, Bright Star, and The Power of the Dog.

Jane Lynch is an actress and comedian best known for Glee, Best in Show, and Hollywood Game Night.

Jane Addams is a social reformer best known for co-founding Hull House and winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Jane Pauley is a television journalist best known for The Today Show, Dateline NBC, and The Jane Pauley Show.

Jane Birkin is an actress and singer best known for Blow-Up, La Piscine, and her collaboration with Serge Gainsbourg.

Fictional characters named Jane

Jane Eyre is a fictional character from the novel Jane Eyre. She is an orphaned girl who becomes a governess and seeks love and independence in a restrictive society.

Jane Porter is a fictional character from the novel Tarzan of the Apes. She is the love interest of Tarzan and plays a crucial role in his journey to understand his identity and humanity.

Jane Foster is a fictional character from the Marvel Comics universe. She is a skilled nurse and later becomes a significant character in the Thor series, especially when she takes on the mantle of Thor herself.

Jane Villanueva is a fictional character from the TV series Jane the Virgin. She is a young, devout Latina woman who becomes pregnant through artificial insemination, leading to a series of dramatic and comedic events.

Sibling Suggestions

JohnJillJackJuneJamesJoyJasmine

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Jane was first seen in the United States in 1880. Jane has ranked as high as #66 nationally, which occurred in 1947, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and California. In the past 5 years the name Jane has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Jane (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 98
9%
TX 93
8%
UT 59
5%
FL 59
5%
NY 52
5%
IL 52
5%
OH 43
4%
TN 39
4%
PA 39
4%
IN 38
3%
MO 33
3%
GA 31
3%
MN 30
3%
WA 30
3%
CO 29
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880215
1881216
1882254
1883247
1884295
1885330
1886306
1887288
1888446
1889374
1890372
1891379
1892396
1893354
1894390
1895394
1896413
1897396
1898406
1899382
1900495
1901325
1902388
1903381
1904395
1905393
1906438
1907526
1908531
1909626
1910709
1911937
19121,390
19131,759
19142,340
19153,264
19163,826
19174,258
19184,730
19194,527
19205,054
19215,188
19224,805
19234,917
19245,104
19254,881
19264,641
19274,695
19284,411
19294,353
19304,575
19314,532
19324,348
19334,377
19344,358
19354,646
19364,719
19374,702
19384,786
19394,771
19405,092
19415,089
19425,708
19436,032
19446,564
19457,639
19468,971
19479,942
19488,781
19498,719
19508,964
19518,942
19529,322
19538,913
19548,344
19558,344
19568,241
19577,788
19587,198
19596,863
19606,588
19616,362
19626,116
19635,764
19644,568
19653,927
19663,213
19672,728
19682,192
19691,880
19701,601
19711,296
19721,161
1973957
1974827
1975782
1976697
1977744
1978699
1979720
1980775
1981762
1982844
1983783
1984725
1985710
1986669
1987668
1988723
1989779
1990773
1991709
1992652
1993691
1994706
1995618
1996639
1997648
1998638
1999618
2000647
2001671
2002696
2003704
2004657
2005651
2006665
2007775
2008826
2009831
2010833
2011868
2012927
2013898
20141,026
20151,112
20161,135
20171,157
20181,133
20191,188
20201,169
20211,172
20221,089
20231,114
20241,180