International Variations of Jane
Jane is one of the classic baby names for girls that has a wide range of variations around the world. Jane itself is a variation of Jehanne, the Old French feminization of John that also spawned Jean. Popular Jane variations of the past, such as Janet and Janine, have faded, making room for fresher options such as Gianna and Giovanna.
Along with Gianna and Giovanna, other international variations of Jane in the US Top 1000 include Hana, Ivanna, Jana, Janelle, Janiyah, Giana, and Giavanna. The Irish variant Siobhan feels especially stylish right now, along with the Russian Yana, Polish Zanna, and Galician Xoana.
Jane continues to be one of the top middle names for girls in the US and is making its way back up the charts as a first name as well. Whether you’re looking to honor an important Jane or John in your life, or just want a fresh take on a classic, view our extensive set of international variations of Jane below.
Along with Gianna and Giovanna, other international variations of Jane in the US Top 1000 include Hana, Ivanna, Jana, Janelle, Janiyah, Giana, and Giavanna. The Irish variant Siobhan feels especially stylish right now, along with the Russian Yana, Polish Zanna, and Galician Xoana.
Jane continues to be one of the top middle names for girls in the US and is making its way back up the charts as a first name as well. Whether you’re looking to honor an important Jane or John in your life, or just want a fresh take on a classic, view our extensive set of international variations of Jane below.
- Jane
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
No, we don't consider Jane too plain. In fact, for a venerable and short one-syllable name, we think it packs a surprising amount of punch, as compared to the related Jean and Joan.
- Siobhan
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"god is gracious"Description:
Siobhan is the Irish variation of Joan, which is derived from the ancient Anglo-Norman name Jehanne. In this way Siobhan is indirectly related to the name Sinead—the Irish form of Jeannette, which also derived from Jehanne—although Sinead is not a nickname for Siobhan. Siobhan was the name of several early Irish queens and was introduced to the American public by the actress Siobhan McKenna.
- Gianna
Origin:
Italian, diminutive of GiovannaMeaning:
"the Lord is gracious"Description:
Gianna originated as a diminutive for Giovanna—a Latin feminization of John. The root name among these is the Hebrew name Yochanen, meaning "the Lord is gracious." Common nickname include Gia and Gigi, and the English form of Gianna is Joanna.
- Joanna
Origin:
Variation of JohannaMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Joanna derives from the Greek name Ioanna, which in turn came from the Hebrew name Yohannah. It is featured in the New Testament as a woman who accompanied Jesus on his travels and eventually reached saint status. Other names related to Joanna include Joan, Joanne, Johanna, and Jana.
- Jean
Origin:
English and Scottish, from French variation of JohannaMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Originally a feminine of John, Jean was popular in Scotland long before it found favor elsewhere, and had its most shining moment here in the era of Jean Harlow (born Harlean), ultimate symbol of silver screen glamour. Now, though there are many grandmas and even moms with the name, it doesn't seem all that baby-friendly. Though that could change, and Jean could join Jane.
- Hana
Origin:
Hebrew, Hawaiian, Maori, JapaneseMeaning:
"grace, work, glow, flower"Description:
Many things to many peoples: a flower name, also spelled Hanae, to the Japanese; a Czech and Polish short form of Johana; and an alternate form of the biblical name Hannah in the US. It also means "craft, work" in Hawaiian and "glow" in Maori.
- Johanna
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Johanna is the version of this name used in Holland, Germany, and Scandinavia. The extra h makes Johanna a slightly more dignified version of Joanna.
- Janet
Origin:
Diminutive of JaneMeaning:
"God's gracious gift"Description:
Janet started as a pet form of Jane but has long been used independently. Jane is a feminine form of John, which derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. Janet can also be considered a variation of Jeannette, a derivative of Joan and another feminization of the name John.
- Sinead
Origin:
Irish form of JanetMeaning:
"God's gracious gift"Description:
One of the best known of the Irish girls' names, thanks to singer Sinead O'Connor. Though it's still in the Irish Top 100, it's no longer quite as fashionable in Ireland as Aoife or Aisling. But by now everyone in the Western World knows it's pronounced shin-aid and so would have no trouble fitting in on an American playground.
- Jana
Origin:
International feminine variation of JanDescription:
A sweet name with many cross-cultural ties: it's an equivalent of Jane in languages including Czech, Slovak, Dutch, German, Slovene, Catalan, Estonian, and Latvian.
- Nita
Origin:
Hindi, Hebrew, and ChoctawMeaning:
"friendly, to plant, and bear"Description:
One of those slender names, like Lena or Etta, that's used in several cultures and carries a range of meanings. But by being so many things, it doesn't feel decidedly like anything.
- Sian
Origin:
Welsh variation of JaneMeaning:
"God's gracious gift"Description:
Simple and pretty and user-friendly, the Welsh Sian was used by U2's Dave "the Edge" Evans for his daughter. In Welsh, it is also spelled Siân.
- Giovanna
Origin:
Italian, feminine variation of GiovanniDescription:
Like Galilea and Livia, one of the Italian names that fashionable American parents—with or without Italian roots—have started to choose for their daughters. It has endured ups and downs since entering the popularity charts in 1991.
- Jenny
Origin:
Diminutive of Janet, Jane, Jean, and JenniferDescription:
At the height of the Jennifer craze, many parents were cutting straight to the nickname and putting Jenny on the birth certificate. But now that Jennifer is the mom rather than the daughter, Jenny, which has been somewhat replaced by Jenna, has faded as well.
- Ioanna
Origin:
Greek variation of JoannaDescription:
Ioanna may be an original spin on the Joanna family, but American tongues may have trouble wrapping themselves around all its vowels. Ioanna is pronounced ee-oh-ah-nah.
- Iva
- Sheena
Origin:
Anglicization of Sine; Irish variation of JaneMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Animated Gaelic name popularized by singer Sheena Easton, also brings to mind Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, the Amazonian comic book and TV series heroine. Sine is considered to be and English equivalent of Jane or Jean.
- Ivana
Origin:
Feminine variation of IvanDescription:
A rarely used Slavic name until the Czech-born ex-Mrs. Trump took it over the top. Daughter's name Ivanka adds a dollop of charm.
- Jeanne
Origin:
French variation of JeanMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Pronounced just like Jean in the English-speaking world, but as the more unusual zhahn in France, this has sailed away with the first wave of French favorites: Denise, Michelle, et soeurs.
- Yana
Origin:
Slavic variation of JanaDescription:
A Slavic classic, as common as Jane or Joan here.