International Variations of Jane

Hanne

Danish, Norwegian, German, Dutch

"grace"

This spin on the popular Hannah is widely-used in Europe and pronounced similarly to Hannah. It may also be a short form of Johanne, from John/Joan.

Hansine

German feminization of Hans

"God is gracious"

Rare feminine form of Hans — a John derivative — occasionally heard in Germany and other German-speaking countries.

Iana

Latin, Slavic variation of Jane

"God is gracious"

In Roman mythology, Iana was an epithet of Diana, goddess of the moon. If pronunciation troubles worry you, use the Yana spelling instead.

Ioana

Romanian and Bulgarian feminine form of John

"God is gracious"

Predominantly used in Romania, Ioana can also be used as an alternative to the Bulgarian Yoana. Fashion designer Ioana Ciolacu, actress Ioana Flora, and gymnast Ioana Stanciulescu are just a few…

Ioanna

Greek variation of Joanna

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

Bulgarian, Croatian, Serbian, Slovene, Slovak, Czech, English

"willow tree; God is gracious; yew tree; bow warrior"

Short, sweet, and sharp, this multicultural choice is currently popular in Croatia, Czechia, Slovenia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. While not in the charts elsewhere, it is familiar in English…