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Names Used in Jane Austen Works

  1. Marianne

    • Origin:

      French combination of Marie and Anne

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"

    • Description:

      A midcentury Catholic classic that's not chosen by many parents today. Leonard Cohen fans might think of the beautiful song So Long, Marianne, named for his lover and muse Marianne Ihlen.
  2. Roger

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "famous warrior"

    • Description:

      In the World War II era, Roger had nothing but the most positive associations, actually used by military personnel to mean 'Received and understood'--or A-OK, and though it is now on extended furlough, it does have a long and distinguished history. Introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, Roger soon became very popular there, with nicknames Hodge and Dodge, and had a long run later in the U.S, remaining in the Top 100 for 55 years.
  3. Georgiana

    • Origin:

      English, feminine variation of George

    • Meaning:

      "farmer"

    • Description:

      Long a popular upper-crust form in England, where it's pronounced George-ee-AH-na, Georgiana has been been neglected here. But with Georgia growing more popular and the general fashion for elaborate feminine names, Georgiana might have room to grow.
  4. Maud

    • Origin:

      English and French diminutive of Matilda, German

    • Meaning:

      "battle-mighty"

    • Description:

      Maud, lacy and mauve-tinted, was wildly popular a hundred years ago but has been rarely heard in the past fifty. Some stylish parents are starting to choose Maud again, especially as a middle. Maude is another spelling, associated with actress Maude Apatow.
  5. Reginald

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "counsel power"

    • Description:

      Now seen as the chap in the smoking jacket in a 1930s drawing-room comedy, Reginald has actually been on the US popularity list every year since 1880.
  6. Selina

    • Origin:

      Variation of Selena or Celine, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "moon; heaven"

    • Description:

      The Selina spelling swims below the Top 1000, which it fell off more than 15 years ago. Still, more than 160 baby girls were named Selina in 2023, compared with over 1300 named Selena and more than 1000 called the fashion-friendly Celine.
  7. Letitia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "joy, gladness"

    • Description:

      Letitia is a delicate, once prim and proper sounding name whose staid image has been unbuttoned by numerous phonetic spellings. The original, often used in Spanish-speaking families, would still make an attractive, delicate choice. After a solid century on the Top 1000 list, Letitia fell off in the early 1980s and has not yet returned.
  8. Fitzwilliam

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of William"

    • Description:

      The Christian name of the dashing Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice— it was his mother's maiden name— is just one of several Fitz names, including Fitzroy, Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, that could be used to honor a dad named William, Roy, Gerald or Patrick.
  9. Frederica

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Frederick, English from German

    • Meaning:

      "peaceful ruler"

    • Description:

      Frederica is an interesting possibility for the parent unintimidated by its old-fashioned formality, and who can appreciate the vintage charm and verve lurking beneath its stuffiness.
  10. Elfrida

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "elf power"

    • Description:

      The name of the mother of Aethelred the Unready was once common among the Anglo-Saxon nobility, and was briefly revived during the 19th century, only to be lost once again to history.
  11. Janetta

    • Description:

      Janetta is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Jane or Janet, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' This charming variation adds an Italian or European flair to the classic name, with the '-etta' suffix creating a more elaborate and melodious sound. While never among the most popular names, Janetta has appeared consistently in naming records since the 19th century, particularly in Scotland, England, and the United States. The name peaked in usage during the early 20th century and has become less common in recent decades, giving it a vintage appeal. Janetta carries the dignified history of Jane while offering a more distinctive alternative that balances traditional roots with a touch of romantic elegance.

  12. Cloe

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian variation of Chloe, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "young green shoot"

    • Description:

      Cloe comes in second to the original form, Chloe, in it's native Spain. In the US, this honor goes to the Kardashian-ized Khloe.
  13. Purvis

    • Origin:

      French and English

    • Meaning:

      "providing food"

    • Description:

      This spelling does not dispel the "perv" connection.