Jane Name Meaning

Toketemu Ohwovoriole
·4 min read

Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Jane.

Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah Scott

Jane is a common name for girls across the globe. It’s so common that terms like “Jane Doe” and “Plain Jane” are used as generic terms for women. The name Jane is of English origin and means “God is gracious.”

Jane has roots in the Old French name Jehanne, which is thought to be derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan which means “Yahweh is merciful.” Jane first became popular in the mid-16th century when it was used as an alternative to the name Joan.

Jane is also a common middle name and is sometimes used as the second name for a double name, such as Mary Jane or Eliza Jane.



  • Origin: The name Jane can be traced to English, French, and Hebrew origins.

  • Gender: Jane has traditionally been a girl’s name but can be given to kids of any gender.

  • Pronunciation: Ja-yn





Editor's Note

Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.



How Popular Is the Name Jane?

Jane used to be a wildly popular name in the United States. From 1911 until 1965 it stayed on the top 100 charts of most popular names for girls. Its popularity peaked in 1946 when it was the 35th most common name for American girls. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Jane was the 281st most popular name for girls in the United States in 2023, up nine spots from the previous year.

Name Variations

Jane has numerous spelling and pronunciation variations in different cultures and languages worldwide. Some of the most common name variations you are likely to come across include:

  • Gianna (Italian)

  • Jana (Polish, Latvian, Slovak)

  • Janeczka (Polish)

  • Janes (Swedish, Dutch, Finnish)

  • Janet (English)

  • Janete (Portuguese)

  • Jayne (English)

  • Jeanne (French)

  • Jenica (Romanian)

  • Jenka (Czech)

  • Jenne (French)

  • Jinn (Celtic)

  • Joan (English)

Similar Names

If you like a short and sweet name like Jane, you’ll may also like these simple names:

  • Alice

  • Anne

  • Blaire

  • Clara

  • Elle

  • Eve

  • Faith

  • Grace

  • Gwen

  • Jay

  • Jean

  • June

  • Kim

  • Lisa

  • Lucy

  • Rose

  • Ruth

  • Shea

  • Sue

  • Zoe

Suggested Sibling Names

You’d be hard-pressed to find a sibling name that doesn’t go well with Jane, but here are some options if you are looking for sibling names that pair well:

  • Belle

  • Blake

  • Chad

  • Finn

  • Frank

  • James

  • Jake

  • John

  • Jude

  • Luke

  • Max

  • Neil

  • Queen

  • Rain

  • Seth

  • Tess

  • Todd

  • Troy

Famous People Named Jane

Many strong and influential people have been given the name Jane.

  • Calamity Jane, American frontierswoman and sharpshooter

  • Jane Austen, British author known for the wildly popular books Pride and Prejudice and Emma

  • Jane Badler, American actress and singer

  • Jane Campion, New Zealand filmmaker

  • Jane Curtin, American actress and comedian

  • Jane Fonda, American actress and political activist

  • Jane Goodall, British primatologist and anthropologist

  • Jane Krakowski, American actress

  • Jane Lynch, American actress

  • Jane Roe, the pseudonym for Norma McCorvey who was the plaintiff in the landmark case Roe v. Wade

  • Jane Russell, American actress

  • Jane Seymour, third wife of King Henry VIII of England

  • Jane Seymour, English actress

  • Jane Siberry, Canadian singer, and songwriter

  • Jane Wiedlin, American singer and member of the Go-Go’s

  • Jane Yolen, American writer

Fictional Janes

Jane is also often used in many literary pieces and great works of art. Some of the most popular include:

  • Baby Jane Hudson, a character in the novel and film Whatever Happened to Baby Jane 

  • G.I. Jane, the main character in the 1997 movie of the same name, played by Demi Moore

  • Jane Bennet, the eldest of the Bennet sisters in the book Pride and Prejudice

  • Jane Eyre, the lead character in the popular Charlotte Bront? novel of the same name

  • Jane Jetson, a character in the animated show, The Jetsons

  • Jane Lane, a character in the television show Daria

  • Jane Porter, a character in the Tarzan books and films

  • Jane Studdock, a main character in the novel That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis



More Baby Names

Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options:



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