Girls Names Beginning With J

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.

Josephina is a feminine form of Joseph, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' This elegant variation combines the biblical gravitas of Joseph with a distinctly feminine ending. Popular in Spanish-speaking countries as Josefina, the Josephina spelling is less common but maintains the same melodic quality. The name offers versatile nickname options including Jo, Josie, Fina, or Phina. While not ranking among top names in the US or UK, Josephina appeals to parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name with religious roots and cross-cultural appeal.

Pronounced as the English word joy, rather than as the French phrase joie de vivre, Joie might produce more complications than joy.

But what happens when Jeune grows vieille.

A feminization used more before Jordan joined the girls' camp.

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

Josée is a feminine name of French origin, representing the French feminine form of Joseph, which comes from Hebrew meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' Most common in French-speaking regions like Quebec, France, and parts of Switzerland, Josée offers a distinctive alternative to the more widely used Josie or Josephine. The name gained modest popularity in Quebec during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The accent mark gives it a sophisticated European flair while maintaining simple pronunciation. Josée combines traditional roots with a modern, international sensibility, appealing to parents seeking a name with French cultural connections or looking for a refined yet accessible choice that balances familiarity with uniqueness.

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.

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.

Jeannette is a feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive of Jeanne (the French form of Jane/Joan). Ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, the root of John meaning 'God is gracious,' Jeannette carries this blessing within its charming diminutive form.

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.

Judi is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Judith, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'woman from Judea' or 'praised.' This shorter variation gained particular popularity in the mid-20th century as a more modern alternative to the traditional Judith. The name received significant visibility through acclaimed British actress Dame Judi Dench, whose distinguished career helped maintain the name's association with elegance and talent. Judi peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s, reflecting the era's preference for friendly, accessible shortened names. Though less common among newborns today, Judi maintains an image of warmth and approachability. The name's straightforward pronunciation and spelling, combined with its rich historical roots, make it simultaneously unpretentious and meaningful.

Love the name wren but need something not quite so trendy? Consider Jedda. Jedda is derived from the word 'djida' meaning "wren" in the language of the Noongar people of Western Australia. Jedda was also the name of the eponymous heroine of the film "Jedda", which was one of the first Australian films to be shot in color and was the first to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival (it was nominated for the Palme d'Or). The perfect name for nature enthusiasts and film buffs alike.

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.

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.

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

Justa is an ancient saints' name. Saints Justa and Rufina were martyred sisters who are today the patron saints of Seville in Spain.

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

Jaylen is a contemporary name that gained popularity in the late 20th century. Likely created as a variation of names beginning with 'Jay' (such as Jason or Jayson) combined with the popular '-len' suffix found in names like Allen or Glen. The name may also be influenced by the success of similar-sounding names like Jalen, which gained prominence after basketball player Jalen Rose (whose name was a combination of his father's and uncle's names). While originally more common for boys, Jaylen has emerged as a unisex name with feminine usage increasing since the 2000s. The name peaked in popularity for boys in the 2010s, ranking in the top 200 names in the United States. The versatile sound patterns and contemporary feel of Jaylen have contributed to its appeal across diverse communities. The name exemplifies modern naming trends that favor distinctive sounds with flexible gender associations.

Juin is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. Most prominently, it derives from the French word for the month of June, ultimately stemming from the Roman goddess Juno, who represented marriage and well-being. In Chinese contexts, different characters pronounced as 'Juin' can carry meanings related to gathering, elegance, or intelligence depending on the specific characters used. As a given name, Juin remains relatively uncommon internationally but may appeal to parents seeking a subtle connection to June without using the more common version. The name has a delicate, flowing sound that works well in multicultural contexts, while its brevity makes it distinctive yet accessible. It carries seasonal associations with early summer, warmth, and blossoming.