Names › Girls' names › J › Jane
Jane
Meaning: God is gracious · Origin: Hebrew (via French) · Gender: usually a girl's name
Origin & history
An English feminine of John, from Old French Jehanne. Jane Austen and Jane Goodall made it timeless.
Famous people named Jane
- Jane Austen (novelist)
- Jane Goodall (primatologist)
- Lady Jane Grey
Nicknames
Janie, Jen
Variants & related names
Jean, Joan, Jeanne, Juana
Jane name art
A free preview of a printable “Jane” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.
Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.
FAQ
What does the name Jane mean?
Jane means “God is gracious”. It comes from Hebrew (via French).
Is Jane a popular name?
Jane is a classic girls' name that has been used for generations in the English-speaking world. For its current rank, see the US Social Security Administration or UK Office for National Statistics baby-name lists.
What are nicknames for Jane?
Janie, Jen.
What are other forms of Jane?
Jean, Joan, Jeanne, Juana.
Similar names
Elizabeth · Abigail · Naomi · Delilah · Leah · Hannah
More: names starting with J · all girls' names
Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.