Girls Names Beginning With J

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.

Jacinth is a gemstone of the Zircon variety. The name is related to the floral Hyacinth.

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 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.

Jacky is a diminutive form of Jacqueline, which is the feminine version of Jacques, the French form of Jacob. Ultimately derived from Hebrew origins meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' Jacky emerged as a nickname but has gained usage as an independent given name. It has a friendly, approachable quality that has maintained modest popularity throughout the 20th century, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. The name has a youthful, cheerful sound to it, and while more commonly used for girls, it can occasionally be found as a masculine name variant of Jack or Jacob as well. Its casual, unpretentious nature has given it enduring appeal across different cultures.

Jacquie is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive or variation of Jacqueline, which is the French feminine form of Jacques (James). With French origins, the name ultimately derives from Hebrew, meaning 'supplanter.' This particular spelling with 'ie' ending gives it a friendly, approachable quality compared to more formal versions. Jacquie peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century but has since become less common. The name carries a certain playful elegance and vintage charm. It strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness, as most people recognize it while encountering it relatively infrequently. The nickname-style spelling often reflects a casual, warm personality.

Jama is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic contexts, it can mean 'gathering' or 'assembly,' symbolizing community and togetherness. The name also exists in Somali culture, where it can refer to a geographical region. In some Eastern European and Baltic traditions, it may be related to words meaning 'power' or 'strength.' As a given name in the United States, Jama remains quite uncommon, making it a distinctive choice. Its brevity and easy pronunciation give it a modern feel, while its multicultural roots add depth and significance. Parents might choose Jama for its simplicity, unique quality, or cultural connections.

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 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.

Has lost all trace of its French accent.

Used in France as a male name, this would make an appealing and unusual choice, as would two other Gallic month names, Avril and Mai.

Jara is a name with roots in several different cultures and languages, with different meanings and associations. She's the Hindu goddess of the household, happiness, and prosperity. In Spanish, where the name is pronounced with an H sound at the beginning ala Jose, Jara is a flower name meaning "rock-rose". In Arabic, the meaning of "earthen water jug" relates it to both the earth and to water.

Delicate and lacy, with less emphasis on the jar syllable.

Randall Jarrell was an important mid-20th century poet; his surname makes a pleasingly soft name for a girl.

The ancient boys' name Jasper is popular internationally in a range of forms, including Casper and Gaspard, and now Jasper is beginning to be used for girls in the US.

Javiera, pronounced ha-vee-AIR-a, is not as well used as twin brother JAVIER, but makes an attractive Latina choice.

While Jay has been long used as a stand-alone boy name, it has more recently been used as one for girls. Otherwise, it has largely been seen as a pet form of any J name, or as a singular middle name.

This name of a Buddhist goddess, a possible alternative to the trendy Maya, was chosen for their daughter by Laura Dern and Ben Harper. Jaya is simple yet unusual, a winning combination, and one of the out-of-the-box goddess names as well as one of the most easily translated Hindi names for girls.