name
Jane
jayn
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.
Word Forms
Janes plural, janes plural
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_____ 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."