Girls Names Beginning With J

Jourdaine is a feminine name with French origins, developed as a feminine form of Jordan. The name ultimately derives from the Jordan River in the Middle East, carrying meanings of 'flowing down' or 'descend.' The French spelling with the 'our' combination and silent 'e' ending gives this variation a particularly elegant and sophisticated quality. While relatively rare in English-speaking countries, Jourdaine has maintained modest usage in French-speaking regions and among parents seeking names with European flair. The name experienced a small surge of interest in the 1990s alongside other French-influenced names but remains distinctive. Its appeal lies in combining historical significance with contemporary style, offering a refined alternative to more common Jordan derivatives.

With Journey becoming increasingly popular, it's no surprise that this alternative spelling is not far behind. However, you may be surprised to learn that in recent years, the Journee spelling has actually passed the original spelling in popularity — Journee is currently in the Top 200. This word name may be appealing to parents attracted to the idea of a spiritual -- or even an actual -- voyage.

One of the new word names, appealing to parents attracted to the idea of a spiritual -- or even an actual -- voyage. The Journee spelling is also being used. Unisex alert: Jenna Jameson used Journey for one of her twin boys, as did the Black Eyed Peas rock musician known as Taboo.

Joy is from an older generation of word names, which also included Merry, Bliss, and Glory -- all of which exert a certain amount of personality pressure on a child. However, Joy, like Grace, Hope, and Rose, has crossed more into name-territory than other word choices, which lightens some of that pressure.

Along with Joyful, Joyous works as an updated version of Joy. It would make for an inspired middle name to honor an ancestral Joy.

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.

The biblical Judith, the fourth most popular name in 1940, may be getting ready for a comeback in its full, elegant, if somewhat solemn form. Many of those earlier Judiths were called Judy—some after Judy (born Frances) Garland—preferring it over their more formal proper name. Today, Judith, like Deborah, may have shaken off just enough to appeal to parents looking for a traditional, yet under-the-radar biblical name. And Jude would be a likelier nickname these days than the Judge Judy connection.

Juditha is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Judith, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'woman from Judea' or 'praised.' In the Bible, Judith is known as a heroine who saved her people from the Assyrian general Holofernes. The addition of the 'a' ending gives Juditha a slightly more feminine and flowing quality compared to the traditional Judith. While Judith has been consistently popular throughout history, Juditha remains quite rare, offering a distinctive twist on the biblical classic. The name carries connotations of courage, wisdom, and beauty, drawing on the legacy of its biblical namesake.

Judithe is an elegant variation of Judith, a name with biblical origins derived from the Hebrew name Yehudit, meaning "woman from Judea" or simply "Jewish woman." In the Bible, Judith is known as a heroine who saved her people from the Assyrian general Holofernes. The addition of the final 'e' in Judithe gives the name a French-inspired touch and a softer, more feminine ending. While less common than the traditional Judith, Judithe carries the same rich historical and religious significance while standing out as slightly more distinctive. The name has an air of classical dignity and strength, reflecting its heritage as the name of a courageous biblical figure.

Judy was the nickname of choice for almost all the Judiths born in the 1940s and 50s; today's little Judiths are much more likely to be called Judith -- or, possibly, Jude.

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.

Fine in France, but here it means vegetables sliced into thin strips.

One of the most romantic names, the lovely and stylish Juliet seems finally to have shaken off her limiting link to Romeo. In Shakespeare's play, it was Juliet who said "What's in a name?"

Juna, a variation of the newly stylish month name June, goddess name Juno, or literary Djuna, is among the fresher-feeling girl names starting with J. While Juna has never been given to more than 50 baby girls per year in the US, it's a popular choice in Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

June, a sweetly old-fashioned month name derived from the goddess Juno, was long locked in a time capsule with June Allyson (born Ella) and June Cleaver, but is rising again especially as a middle name.

Juni is the Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Finnish form of the month name June. While Juni feels cute and fresh, most Americans would assume it was a nickname or a Joni variation. We prefer Juna or the English June.

A cute nickname, but June is a much better bet for the birth certificate.

Juniper is a fresh-feeling nature name -- it's a small evergreen shrub -- with lots of energy. A new favorite of fashionable parents, Juniper joins such other tree and shrub names as Hazel, Acacia, and Willow.