Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jean
UnisexFrench, Scottish· “God is gracious”
- Meaning
- God is gracious
- Origin
- French, Scottish
- Pronunciation
- JEEN
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,172
- US babies 2025
- 176
- Best rank
- #309 (1928)
- Peak year
- 1993
Meaning and origin of Jean
Jean is a French and Scottish name that means “God is gracious”.
Jean is a name with two traditions. In French it is the masculine form of John, pronounced zhahn, and is borne by countless French figures. In English and Scottish use Jean is a feminine name, derived from the medieval French Jehanne, a feminine form of John. Both come from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning God is gracious. The feminine Jean was very popular in Scotland and then throughout the English-speaking world in the early twentieth century. Today it has a crisp, classic feel for both boys and girls.
Other spellings with the same sound: Jeanne, Gene, Jeane, Gean.
Popularity over time
Jean has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 132 different years. Its best national rank was #309 in 1928, and the most babies received it in 1993, when 428 were named Jean. In 2025, 176 babies were named Jean, and it ranked #1,172 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #357 in 1920, #520 in 1950, #590 in 1980, #629 in 2000, #800 in 2010, and #1,172 in 2025. Of the 25,039 US boys named Jean since records began, 12% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 2,968 babies. Since 2010, 2,707 more have been named Jean.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Zhane, Jessy, Codi, Alix, and Jacy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jean ranked highest in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #530 | 5 |
| Massachusetts | #581 | 8 |
| Florida | #656 | 25 |
| New York | #671 | 22 |
| Indiana | #1012 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Jean is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 28% of US babies named Jean were girls and 72% were boys.
Jean is usually pronounced JEEN, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with J and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Jeanne, Gene, Jeane, and Gean.
Middle names for Jean
A few middle names that flow with Jean: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jean
Similar names
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Lists that include Jean
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jean mean?
Jean is a French and Scottish name that means “God is gracious”.
What is the origin of the name Jean?
Jean has French, Scottish, and Hebrew roots. Jean is a name with two traditions.
Is Jean a popular name?
Not especially. Jean ranked #1,172 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Jean a boy or girl name?
Jean is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 28% of US babies named Jean were girls and 72% were boys.
How do you pronounce Jean?
Jean is usually pronounced JEEN. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings