feminine names beginning with j
By judy.newstead
Updated Thu May 25 2023
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a cool collection of girly j names!
many have alternative g spellings, which give the name a more vintage twist
- Jacinta
Origin:
Spanish for Greek flower nameMeaning:
"hyacinth"Description:
Jacinta, the Spanish word for hyacinth, is a lot softer and sweeter than the English version. The correct Spanish pronunciation is ha-SEEN-ta, though many English speakers would say ja-SIN-ta. Although the name is slightly different, Jacinta is largely associated at present with Australian-born actress Jacinda Barrett.
- Jacintha
Description:
Jacintha is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the flower name hyacinth (Hyakinthos). In Greek mythology, Hyakinthos was a beautiful youth beloved by Apollo, transformed into the flower after his death. The feminine form Jacintha emerged in multiple European languages, gaining particular popularity in Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch-speaking regions. The name carries associations with beauty, delicacy, and spring blossoming. Throughout history, Jacintha has maintained consistent though modest usage, never becoming overly common. The name possesses an elegant, classical quality with its flowing sounds and mythological connections. Jacintha offers a sophisticated alternative to more familiar flower names while maintaining accessible pronunciation and international recognition across multiple language traditions.
- Jackie
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Jackie Kennedy gave this name a lot of style, but it doesn't seem destined for a comeback the way brother name Jack has. Jackie and Jacqueline both peaked in 1961.
- Jacklyn
Description:
Jacklyn is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Jacqueline, the feminine form of Jacques, which is the French equivalent of James. Ultimately derived from Hebrew origins meaning "may God protect," Jacklyn emerged as a popular alternative spelling particularly in the United States during the mid-20th century. This variation offers a more phonetic and straightforward spelling while maintaining the name's elegant sound. Jacklyn peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, reflecting the trend toward giving traditionally masculine names feminine forms. The name projects strength and sophistication while the 'y' spelling adds a touch of individuality. Notable namesakes include actress Jacklyn Zeman, known for her long-running role on the soap opera General Hospital.
- Jacqueline
Origin:
French, feminine diminutive of JacquesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Jacqueline originated as a feminine form of Jacques, the French variation of James, and therefore Jacob. Jacob was ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov, and gets its meaning, "supplanter" from the story of Jacob supplanting his brother Esau as the first-born son in the Bible. Jacqueline was first used in France in the Middle Ages.
- Jada
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"jade"Description:
Long used in Spanish-speaking countries, this strong but feminine name was jump-started here by the rise of actress Jada Pinkett Smith. The Italian Giada is a popular variation. In the Bible, the name Jada was borne by a man and has a different root and meaning: It's Hebrew and means "he knows".
- Jade
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"stone of the side"Description:
As a precious stone, Jade is known for its cool green hues, its importance in Chinese art, and its ability to transmit wisdom, confidence, and clarity. As a name, however, Jade is a 90s throwback in the UK, a Top 5 choice in France, and a returning gem in the US right now.
- Jaime
Origin:
Spanish variation of JamesDescription:
Though every Spanish student knows that the male classic is pronounced HY-me, for girls this is a straight homonym for Jamie, a favorite ambisexual 1970s nickname name. Another way to think of it is as a variation of the French "J'aime" (meaning I love).
- Jamie
Origin:
Diminutive of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Jamie is typical of the relaxed unisex names starting with J that seemed so cool in the sixties after decades of Jeans and Joans, though now pretty tepid. Jaime and even Jamey and Jayme are alternate spellings.
- Jan
Origin:
Feminine variation of John, HebrewMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Jan, not short for Janet or Janice but standing on its own, ranked in the Top 200 throughout the 1950s but dropped off the Top 1000 in the 1980s and now is a truly extinct name, given to fewer than five baby girls in the US each year.
- 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.
- 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.
- Janet
Origin:
Diminutive of JaneMeaning:
"God is gracious"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.
- Janette
Description:
Janette is a feminine name derived from Jane, which ultimately comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious." This French diminutive form adds refinement and elegance to the simpler Jane. Janette enjoyed modest popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s-1960s, often as an alternative to the more common Janet. The name combines classic origins with a softly feminine sound. While less commonly given to babies today, it retains a timeless quality that avoids feeling dated. Janette offers the perfect balance between familiarity and distinctiveness, recognizable without being overused, and carries the graceful, meaningful heritage of its root name.
- Janice
Origin:
Variation of JaneMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
For a minute or two this sounded more modern than Janet, now equally outmoded.
- Janie
Origin:
Diminutive of Jane, EnglishMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Will this old-fashioned nickname make a comeback, now that Jane has shed her "plain" image? Janie is cute and approachable, and would stand as well on the birth certificate as Josie and Jessie do now.
- Janine
Origin:
French variation of JaneDescription:
Has lost all trace of its French accent.
- Janis
Origin:
Variation of JaneDescription:
Last moment of glory was in the Janis Joplin sixties.
- Jasmine
Origin:
Flower name, from PersianMeaning:
"gift from God"Description:
Jasmine was derived from the Persian word yasmin, referring to the jasmine flower. Scented oil was made from the plant, and it was used as a perfume throughout the Persian Empire. Variants include Jazmin, Yasmin, Yasmine, and Jessamine.
- Jasmyn
Description:
Jasmyn is a feminine name representing a modern variant spelling of Jasmine, derived from the Persian word 'yasmin' referring to the fragrant flowering plant. This contemporary spelling emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought unique variations of traditional names. The 'y' spelling gives the classic name a fresh, distinctive quality while maintaining its elegant sound and botanical associations. Jasmyn peaked in popularity in the United States during the early 2000s, appealing to parents who appreciated the familiar name but wanted something slightly different. The name evokes images of the delicate white jasmine flower known for its sweet scent, carrying associations of beauty, grace, and femininity. Its Persian origins also give it a multicultural appeal that transcends specific cultural boundaries.