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British Literature Names

  1. James

    • Origin:

      English variation of Jacob, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      James is one of the classic Anglo-Saxon names, a stalwart through the ages that is more popular—and yes, stylish—than ever today. It recently came out Number 1 in a poll of America's favorite boys' baby names, and is the most common male name, counting people of all ages, in the US.
  2. Jane

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Janet

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Jane

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Jaquez

    • Description:

      Jaquez is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Jacques, the French form of Jacob. The original Hebrew name Ya'akov means 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel,' referring to the biblical story of Jacob's birth. The distinctive spelling with 'z' instead of 's' gives the name a contemporary edge while maintaining its French pronunciation. Jaquez may also connect to Hispanic naming traditions, potentially functioning as a surname in some contexts. The name remains relatively uncommon, offering a unique option with recognizable sounds. With its blend of French elegance and modern spelling, Jaquez presents a multicultural appeal that works well in diverse communities.
  5. Jean

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish, from French variation of Johanna

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Originally a feminine of John, Jean was popular in Scotland long before it found favor elsewhere, and had its most shining moment here in the era of Jean Harlow (born Harlean), ultimate symbol of silver screen glamour. Now, though there are many grandmas and even moms with the name, it doesn't seem all that baby-friendly. Though that could change, and Jean could join Jane.
  6. Jeanie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Jean or Jeanne

    • Description:

      Jeanie is a midcentury bobby soxer kind of nickname that might almost be so old it's new again.
  7. Jemima

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "dove"

    • Description:

      Jemima, the name of a strong and beautiful Biblical daughter of Job, has long been among the chicest choices of aristocratic Brits, most recently ranking at #231 there in 2017. But despite its lovely sound and peaceful meaning, this attractive name hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1893, no doubt due to the problematic association with racial stereotyping, exemplified by the Aunt Jemima brand of pancakes.
  8. Jemmy

    • Description:

      Jemmy is a masculine name with historical roots as a diminutive form of James, which ultimately derives from Hebrew meaning 'supplanter.' While now uncommon as a formal name, Jemmy was more widely used in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in England. It has a friendly, approachable quality with its cheerful 'y' ending. In historical literature and records, Jemmy appears as both a nickname and given name. The name also has associations with a 'jemmy' tool (a type of crowbar), giving it a slight rugged edge. Today, Jemmy offers vintage charm as parents rediscover traditional nickname-names with historical depth.

  9. Jennet

    • Origin:

      Old English short form of Jean or Janet

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      It feels like a slenderized modern version, but Jennet actually has deep roots. Could this plucky name rescue Janet and Jenny from their datedness?
  10. Jenny

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Janet, Jane, Jean, and Jennifer

    • Description:

      At the height of the Jennifer craze, many parents were cutting straight to the nickname and putting Jenny on the birth certificate. But now that Jennifer is the mom rather than the daughter, Jenny, which has been somewhat replaced by Jenna, has faded as well.
  11. Jeremy

    • Origin:

      English form of Jeremiah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "appointed by God"

    • Description:

      This one-time trendy form of Jeremiah hovered just outside the Top 25 throughout the 1970s and 80s. Though off its peak, it's still in the Top 300 in the US for baby boys, and might be considered a modern classic.
  12. Jerome

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "sacred name"

    • Description:

      Jerome has a bespectacled, serious, studious image, just like its namesake saint, who was a brilliant scholar. St. Jerome is the patron saint of students, librarians, and archaeologists.
  13. Jessy

    • Description:

      Jessy is a sweet, familiar name used for girls, though it occasionally appears as a male name as well. Typically considered a diminutive of Jessica (which comes from the Hebrew name Yiskah, meaning 'to behold' or 'God beholds'), Jessy offers a more casual, playful alternative to its formal counterpart. The spelling variation with a 'y' ending gives it a modern touch compared to the more traditional 'Jessie.' This name gained popularity during the late 20th century alongside similar short forms like Jenny and Katie. Jessy conveys a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining a youthful charm into adulthood. Though not as widely used as it once was, Jessy remains a pleasant choice for parents seeking a name that is familiar yet not overly common, with a cheerful, unpretentious vibe.

  14. Jim

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of James

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      Peaked in the 1940s, but still an amiable classic, a la Joe and Tom -- though rarely used on its own.
  15. Joe

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Joseph

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      Joe is still the ultimate good-guy name, not at all diminished by its longevity or popularity or its everyman rep as Regular Joe, Cowboy Joe, G.I. Joe, Joe Exotic, Joe Blow, Joe Millionaire, Average Joe — and now President Joe (Biden).
  16. John

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      John reigned as the most popular of all boys' Christian names for 400 years, from the time the first Crusaders carried it back to Britain until the 1950s. Then American baby namers finally seemed to tire of this straight-arrow, almost anonymous John Doe of names, replacing it with fancier forms like Jonathan and the imported Sean and Ian.
  17. Johnny

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of John

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      The ultimate midcentury nickname, retaining a good measure of retro charm, was chosen for her son by Mira Sorvino.
  18. Jonas

    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Jonah

    • Meaning:

      "dove"

    • Description:

      Jonas has a slightly more grandfatherly image than the English version of his name, but that only adds to its retro appeal. And though it may lag behind Jonah in this country, Jonas is riding a huge wave of popularity in Europe, where it ranks highly in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Norway.
  19. Jonathan

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "gift of Jehovah"

    • Description:

      Jonathan was derived from the Hebrew name Yehonatan, eventually contracted to the modern Yonatan, meaning "gift of Jehovah." It comes from the elements yeho, in reference to God, and natan, meaning "to give." In the Old Testament, Jonathan was the valiant eldest son of King Saul, and it was his friendship with brother-in-law David that gave rise to the expression "Jonathan and David" to describe devoted, steadfast friends.
  20. Joseph

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah increases"

    • Description:

      Joseph is one of the most classic names in American nomenclature, popular with parents from many ethnic backgrounds and having dual-religious appeal.