Jean, a name with a rich history and a timeless charm, continues to resonate with parents seeking a simple yet elegant name for their daughters. How popular is Jean? Let’s delve into the meaning, popularity trends, and alternative names associated with Jean.
The Meaning of Jean
Jean is primarily a feminine name of Scottish and French origin. It is derived from the Old French name Jehanne, a medieval feminine form of John. Ultimately, the name traces back to the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." This elegant name carries a sense of divine favor and blessing.
Jean Name Popularity
The popularity of the name Jean has fluctuated significantly over the past century. Examining historical data provides valuable insights into these trends.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 77 | 1,209 | 0.3434% |
| 1911 | 74 | 1,354 | 0.3636% |
| 1912 | 64 | 2,037 | 0.4039% |
| 1913 | 60 | 2,539 | 0.4478% |
| 1914 | 54 | 3,268 | 0.4689% |
| 1915 | 48 | 4,600 | 0.5063% |
| 1916 | 45 | 5,079 | 0.5258% |
| 1917 | 40 | 5,690 | 0.5688% |
| 1918 | 37 | 6,597 | 0.6147% |
| 1919 | 37 | 6,795 | 0.6489% |
| 1920 | 33 | 7,713 | 0.6937% |
| 1921 | 25 | 8,593 | 0.7504% |
| 1922 | 20 | 9,106 | 0.8174% |
| 1923 | 19 | 9,511 | 0.8492% |
| 1924 | 16 | 10,718 | 0.923% |
| 1925 | 14 | 11,597 | 1.026% |
| 1926 | 12 | 12,164 | 1.1059% |
| 1927 | 14 | 12,504 | 1.1296% |
| 1928 | 12 | 12,202 | 1.1404% |
| 1929 | 12 | 11,858 | 1.1448% |
| 1930 | 14 | 11,980 | 1.1469% |
| 1931 | 13 | 11,007 | 1.1152% |
| 1932 | 15 | 10,666 | 1.0796% |
| 1933 | 14 | 9,960 | 1.0691% |
| 1934 | 16 | 9,710 | 1.0044% |
| 1935 | 18 | 8,845 | 0.9102% |
| 1936 | 20 | 8,532 | 0.8857% |
| 1937 | 23 | 8,392 | 0.8516% |
| 1938 | 27 | 7,760 | 0.758% |
| 1939 | 32 | 7,290 | 0.7167% |
| 1940 | 29 | 8,058 | 0.7581% |
| 1941 | 32 | 7,836 | 0.6962% |
| 1942 | 36 | 8,254 | 0.6536% |
| 1943 | 36 | 8,097 | 0.6202% |
| 1944 | 37 | 7,649 | 0.6172% |
| 1945 | 38 | 7,423 | 0.6087% |
| 1946 | 37 | 8,554 | 0.5797% |
| 1947 | 39 | 8,942 | 0.5357% |
| 1948 | 47 | 7,769 | 0.4867% |
| 1949 | 45 | 7,762 | 0.4825% |
| 1950 | 48 | 7,431 | 0.4615% |
| 1951 | 49 | 7,626 | 0.4498% |
| 1952 | 50 | 7,512 | 0.4303% |
| 1953 | 52 | 7,568 | 0.4276% |
| 1954 | 56 | 7,663 | 0.4192% |
| 1955 | 60 | 7,483 | 0.4068% |
| 1956 | 65 | 7,175 | 0.3799% |
| 1957 | 67 | 7,041 | 0.3659% |
| 1958 | 73 | 6,523 | 0.3451% |
| 1959 | 77 | 6,234 | 0.3281% |
| 1960 | 87 | 5,636 | 0.2975% |
| 1961 | 92 | 5,360 | 0.2839% |
| 1962 | 94 | 4,877 | 0.2656% |
| 1963 | 97 | 4,479 | 0.2495% |
| 1964 | 100 | 4,096 | 0.2327% |
| 1965 | 113 | 3,351 | 0.2049% |
| 1966 | 124 | 2,903 | 0.1859% |
| 1967 | 135 | 2,546 | 0.1678% |
| 1968 | 158 | 2,066 | 0.1376% |
| 1969 | 168 | 1,887 | 0.1225% |
| 1970 | 159 | 2,104 | 0.1322% |
| 1971 | 172 | 1,759 | 0.1171% |
| 1972 | 211 | 1,276 | 0.0937% |
| 1973 | 229 | 1,085 | 0.0837% |
| 1974 | 258 | 936 | 0.072% |
| 1975 | 275 | 842 | 0.0655% |
| 1976 | 281 | 783 | 0.0608% |
| 1977 | 312 | 722 | 0.0536% |
| 1978 | 338 | 606 | 0.0451% |
| 1979 | 354 | 614 | 0.0435% |
| 1980 | 351 | 638 | 0.0436% |
| 1981 | 383 | 556 | 0.0378% |
| 1982 | 390 | 552 | 0.0369% |
| 1983 | 412 | 481 | 0.0326% |
| 1984 | 413 | 468 | 0.0315% |
| 1985 | 459 | 424 | 0.0279% |
| 1986 | 513 | 356 | 0.0236% |
| 1987 | 535 | 336 | 0.022% |
| 1988 | 618 | 278 | 0.0178% |
| 1989 | 624 | 292 | 0.0181% |
| 1990 | 789 | 209 | 0.0126% |
| 1991 | 758 | 224 | 0.0137% |
| 1992 | 934 | 161 | 0.0101% |
| 1993 | 944 | 151 | 0.0097% |
| 1994 | 1,030 | 131 | 0.0085% |
| 1995 | 1,123 | 106 | 0.007% |
| 1996 | 1,189 | 98 | 0.0065% |
| 1997 | 1,298 | 82 | 0.0055% |
| 1998 | 1,181 | 106 | 0.0071% |
| 1999 | 1,514 | 61 | 0.0041% |
| 2000 | 1,368 | 83 | 0.0054% |
| 2001 | 1,794 | 46 | 0.0031% |
| 2002 | 2,042 | 33 | 0.0022% |
| 2003 | 1,957 | 40 | 0.0026% |
| 2004 | 2,030 | 37 | 0.0024% |
| 2005 | 2,100 | 34 | 0.0022% |
| 2006 | 2,595 | 20 | 0.0013% |
| 2007 | 2,479 | 23 | 0.0015% |
| 2008 | 2,741 | 16 | 0.001% |
| 2009 | 3,120 | 10 | 0.0007% |
| 2010 | 2,458 | 21 | 0.0015% |
| 2011 | 2,342 | 23 | 0.0016% |
| 2012 | 2,981 | 10 | 0.0007% |
| 2013 | 2,190 | 27 | 0.0019% |
| 2014 | 2,162 | 28 | 0.0019% |
| 2015 | 2,324 | 22 | 0.0015% |
| 2016 | 2,270 | 23 | 0.0016% |
| 2017 | 2,270 | 22 | 0.0016% |
| 2018 | 1,990 | 31 | 0.0023% |
| 2019 | 1,823 | 39 | 0.0029% |
| 2020 | 2,744 | 22 | 0.0017% |
| 2021 | 2,414 | 28 | 0.0023% |
| 2022 | 2,453 | 31 | 0.0023% |
| 2023 | 2,913 | 21 | 0.0016% |
As seen in the table above, Jean reached its peak popularity in the early to mid-20th century, consistently ranking among the top names for girls. In 1926, it achieved its highest rank at number 12. However, its popularity has gradually declined in recent decades. While no longer a top choice, Jean maintains a presence and offers a sense of vintage appeal.
Alternatives to Jean
For those who appreciate the simplicity and elegance of Jean but seek alternative options, several names offer similar qualities.
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Variants of Jean: Gene, Genie, Jeana, Jeane, Jeanee, Jeaneen, Jeanelle, Jeanene, Jeanette, Jeanice, Jeanie, Jeanine, Jeanique, Jeanna, Jeanne, Jeanneen, Jeannetta, Jeannette, Jeannie, Jeannine, Jeannique, Jeena, Jenette, Jenica, Jennet, Jennetta, Jennine. These names share the same origin and meaning as Jean, offering slight variations in sound and spelling.
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Names that sound like Jean: Jan, Jen, Jenn, Joan. These names provide a similar phonetic quality, appealing to those who appreciate the sound of "Jean."
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Similar Names: Gina, Janae, Jenna, Jenny, Jessie. These names share a similar feel and level of popularity, making them suitable alternatives for parents seeking a comparable choice.
Conclusion
Jean is a classic name with a meaningful origin and a rich history. While its popularity has decreased since its peak in the mid-20th century, it remains a viable option for parents seeking a simple, elegant, and timeless name for their daughter. Whether you choose Jean or one of its many variations and similar-sounding names, this choice offers a touch of grace and history.