Jane

girlHebrewChristian

Jane is a Christian girl name of Hebrew, via Old French origin, meaning “God is gracious”.

MeaningGod is gracious
GenderGirl
OriginHebrew, via Old French
PronunciationJAYN
TraditionChristian, Modern & Classic
Used inWorldwide

Meaning and origin of Jane

Jane comes from Old French Jehanne, the feminine of Jehan (John), and so goes back to Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'. In medieval England Joan was the usual form, and Jane rose in the sixteenth century, carried by Jane Seymour, third wife of Henry VIII, and Lady Jane Grey. Later bearers include the novelist Jane Austen and the primatologist Jane Goodall. It is often used today as a middle name.

Is Jane a Christian name?

Jane is a Christian name in origin as a feminine form of John, the name of John the Baptist and John the Apostle, though it is not itself found in the Bible.

How popular is Jane?

A classic English name, more common now as a middle name than a first name.

Gifts with the name Jane

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Spellings and variants of Jane

JoanJeanJeanneJuanaGiovannaJohanna

Names similar to Jane

More Christian girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Jane mean?

Jane means 'God is gracious'. It is of Hebrew, via Old French origin.

Is Jane a Christian name?

Jane is a Christian name in origin as a feminine form of John, the name of John the Baptist and John the Apostle, though it is not itself found in the Bible.

How do you pronounce Jane?

Jane is pronounced JAYN.

Is Jane a boy or girl name?

Jane is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.