name
Common
Jane
jayn
Jane (name) means a common female given name, the standard feminine form of "John" in English since the 1600s. Example: “Jane took over the family business after her mother retired.”
name
1
A common female given name, the standard feminine form of "John" in English since the 1600s.
"Jane took over the family business after her mother retired."
How to use Jane
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional English female first name, closely related to "John" and "Joan."
Common mistake
Also used generically in phrases like "Jane Doe" for an unidentified woman, similar to "John Doe" for a man.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Jane.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- Janes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ took over the family business after her mother retired.
Etymology
From French Jeanne, tracing back through Latin and Greek to a Hebrew name meaning "God is gracious" — making it a direct relative of "John" and "Joan."
Related words
Rhymes for Jane
See all rhymes for Jane →Frequently asked questions
What does “Jane” mean?
The word “Jane” means a common female given name, the standard feminine form of "John" in English since the 1600s. In plain terms, a traditional English female first name, closely related to "John" and "Joan.".
How do you pronounce “Jane”?
“Jane” is pronounced jayn (/d͡ʒeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Jane” in a sentence?
Here is “Jane” used in a sentence: “Jane took over the family business after her mother retired.”
What part of speech is “Jane”?
“Jane” is a name.
Where does the word “Jane” come from?
The word “Jane” comes from Latin. From French Jeanne, tracing back through Latin and Greek to a Hebrew name meaning "God is gracious" — making it a direct relative of "John" and "Joan.".
Is “Jane” a common word?
“Jane” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between Jane and Joan?
Both Jane and Joan are English feminine forms of the name John, so they share the same origin and meaning. The difference is mainly in form and era: Joan was especially popular in the Middle Ages, while Jane became the standard feminine of John from the 1600s onward. Today they are separate names.
What does the name Jane mean?
Because Jane is the feminine form of John, it carries the same meaning: 'God is gracious.' The name traces back through French Jehanne to the Hebrew name Yohanan. It has been one of the most enduring and popular English girls' names for centuries.
What do 'Plain Jane' and 'Jane Doe' mean?
Because Jane is so common, it appears in set phrases standing for an ordinary or unnamed woman. 'Plain Jane' describes a woman or thing seen as simple and unremarkable. 'Jane Doe' is a placeholder name for an unidentified or anonymous woman, the female counterpart to 'John Doe.'
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include Jane:
