Jane

Jane is a classic, traditionally feminine name with roots in Hebrew, English and Old French (the latter originated the name Jehane). Jane is the feminine version of John, and thus is said to mean "Jehovah is gracious." Names with similar meanings include Anna, Ann, Gia, Gianna, Iva, Jan, Nan, Ona, Alya, Nina, Joan, Joni, Frida, Janine, Jenna, Hanna, and Jackie.

Famous Janes in history and pop culture include Princess Jane Seymour (third wife of King Henry VIII), British novelist Jane Austen (1775-1817), renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, author Jane Yolen, rapper Jane Doe, and actors Jayne Mansfield, Jane Seymour, Jane Fonda, Jane Lynch, Jane Russell, and Jane Krakowski. But, of course, the most famous Jane is a fictional one: 'Jane Eyre', the heroine of Charlotte Bronte's 1847 novel of the same name.

Popularity-wise, Jane was in the top 100 names for girls in the U.S. from 1911 straight until 1965, when it began declining in usage. It was in the top 20 in 1920 and '21, as well as in 1932 until 1955. Jane's least popular year of all time was in 2006, but it's back on the rise again, at #277 in 2019.

Jane in quotes:

“You are a name, not a number. Never forget that name, whatever they tell you here.” ― Jane Yolen, The Devil's Arithmetic

“'I am not an angel,' I asserted; 'and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself. Mr. Rochester, you must neither expect nor exact anything celestial of me — for you will not get it, any more than I shall get it of you: which I do not at all anticipate.'" — Jane Eyre in 'Jane Eyre'