Girls Names Beginning With J

  1. Joanna
    • Origin:

      Variation of Johanna
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Joanna derives from the Greek name Ioanna, which in turn came from the Hebrew name Yohannah. It is featured in the New Testament as a woman who accompanied Jesus on his travels and eventually reached saint status. Other names related to Joanna include Joan, Joanne, Johanna, and Jana.
  2. Joanne
    • Origin:

      French variation of Joanna, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      A Top 100 name from the 1930s all the way through the 1950s, it's now firmly in Mom -- or Grandma -- land and supplanted for babies by Joanna.....or even great-grandmother Josephine. In its heyday, it had a host of variations, including JoAnn and Jo-Anne.
  3. Johanna
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Johanna is the version of this name used in Holland, Germany, and Scandinavia. The extra h makes Johanna a slightly more dignified version of Joanna.
  4. Joie
    • Origin:

      French variation of Joy
    • Description:

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

      French flower name, from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "reed"
  6. Jordan
    • Origin:

      English from Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "flowing down"
    • Description:

      Originally used for children baptized in holy water from the river Jordan, it became one of the leading androgynous names of the nineties. As the balance tips toward the boys' side, it's slipping on the girls' popularity chart. Alternate spelling Jordyn is now more popular for girls.
  7. Jordana
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "flowing down"
    • Description:

      A feminization used more before Jordan joined the girls' camp.
  8. Jordane
    • Description:

      Jordane is a feminine name that represents a French variation of Jordan, ultimately derived from the Jordan River in the Middle East. The Hebrew origin 'yarden' means 'to flow down' or 'descend.' While the masculine Jordan became popular internationally, this feminine French form remains more distinctive. The addition of the final 'e' softens the name and gives it a more feminine quality in French naming traditions. Jordane combines the familiarity of Jordan with a touch of European elegance. The name carries biblical associations through the Jordan River's significance in Christian baptism traditions, symbolizing purification and new beginnings. While more common in French-speaking regions, Jordane remains relatively rare globally, offering parents a recognizable yet distinctive option with spiritual undertones and a subtle French sophistication.
  9. Josephe
    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      Josephe is much less well-known in the English-speaking world than Josephine or Joanna. English speakers might have trouble with its similarity to the male Joseph.
  10. Josephina
    • Description:

      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.
  11. Josephine
    • Origin:

      French feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      Josephine, with its large measure of class and character and a gently offbeat quality, has been on a gentle uphill climb in the US for over 30 years, now ranking in the Top 100. With an intriguing number of vivacious nicknames, from Jo to Josie to Fifi to Posy, Josephine is a Nameberry favorite.
  12. Josetta
    • Description:

      Josetta is a feminine name that serves as an elaborate variation of Josette, which itself is a French diminutive of Josephine (meaning 'God will add'). This elegant name carries a vintage charm with its flowing syllables and romantic sound. While never achieving widespread popularity, Josetta has appeared occasionally throughout the 20th century, particularly in the 1920s-1940s. It has a distinctive quality that combines classical elements with a touch of uniqueness. The name has a sophisticated, somewhat literary feel that might appeal to parents seeking something uncommon but accessible. Josetta's rhythm gives it a musical quality, and its connection to the Joseph family of names provides it with deep historical roots while maintaining a feminine elegance. The name is recognizable without being common, making it an intriguing choice for those seeking balance between familiarity and uniqueness.

  13. Josette
    • Origin:

      French,pet form of Josephine, feminine of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      One of the group of French 'ette'-ending names that emigrated to this country in the last century, though never as popular as some others, such as Claudette and Paulette--it did have a little six-year flurry here between 1967 and 1973. Josette may be feminine and flirty, but, given the choice, most parents today would prefer Josephine.
  14. Josiane
    • Description:

      Josiane is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the male name Joseph, which ultimately comes from Hebrew roots meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' Popular primarily in French-speaking regions including France, Quebec, and parts of Switzerland, Josiane emerged as a fashionable name in the mid-20th century. Though its popularity has declined in recent decades, it maintains an air of classic French elegance. The name often carries diminutives like 'Josi' or 'Jo.' Josiane blends traditional religious heritage with a distinctly feminine French character, offering a sophisticated yet accessible choice. The name's rhythmic three syllables and soft sounds contribute to its graceful, melodious quality.
  15. Josianne
    • Description:

      Josianne is a feminine name of French origin, derived from 'Josiane,' which is a French variant of Josiana. It ultimately stems from the Hebrew name Joseph, meaning 'God will increase' or 'God will add.' With its elegant French flair, Josianne combines sophistication with a touch of uniqueness. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, it enjoys more popularity in French-speaking regions like Quebec, France, and parts of Switzerland. The name carries a gentle, refined quality with its soft sounds and rhythmic syllables. Bearers of this name often appreciate its distinctiveness while still having familiar nickname options like Josie.
  16. Josie
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Josephine, feminine of Joseph, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"
    • Description:

      Josie is jaunty and friendly: among the most winning of all nickname names. She's been on the Social Security list since records began being kept.
  17. Joslyn
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Jocelyn, German
    • Meaning:

      "member of the Gauts tribe"
    • Description:

      Much less popular than the original spelling of Jocelyn, though still given to over 100 baby girls in the US last year. While it might be tempting to go with this more phonetic spelling, we recommend sticking with the traditional name.
  18. Joslynn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Jocelyn, German
    • Meaning:

      "member of the Gauts tribe"
    • Description:

      Joslynn is a contemporary feminine name that blends elements of Jocelyn and the popular -lynn ending that emerged in the late 20th century. This hybrid creation maintains the soft, melodic quality of traditional feminine names while offering a modern twist.
  19. Joss
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Jocelyn
    • Description:

      Joss is more fashionable than Jocelyn or Josslyn. This is a short form that could be used independently, a la the singer Joss Stone. One of a troupe of adorable boyish nicknames newly fashionable for girls a la Lou and Charlie.
  20. Josée
    • Description:

      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.