The name Jane is of English origin and is a feminine given name. It is derived from the medieval female personal name Janet, which was in turn derived from the male name John. The name John comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
The name Jane has been used in England since the Middle Ages. It gained popularity during the Tudor period, with Queen Jane Seymour, the third wife of King Henry VIII, being one of the most notable bearers of the name. The name continued to be popular throughout the centuries and was often used as a pet name or diminutive form of Joan or other similar names.
In literature, Jane is perhaps best known for being the protagonist of Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre," published in 1847. This classic work of English literature has helped to popularize the name further and has influenced many people's perceptions of it.
Overall, the name Jane has a long and rich history, with its roots tracing back to the Middle Ages in England. It is associated with several notable historical figures and literary characters, making it a well-known and respected name throughout English-speaking countries.
The name Jane has been a popular choice for newborn girls in the United States since the late 19th century. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been over 377,294 babies named Jane at birth.
Looking at the annual statistics from 1880 to 2023, we can see that the popularity of the name Jane has fluctuated over time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Jane ranged from a low of 215 births in 1880 to a high of 7639 births in 1945.
After World War II, the popularity of the name Jane began to decline. Between 1950 and 1970, there were fewer than 1000 babies named Jane born each year on average. However, since the late 1970s, the name Jane has seen a resurgence in popularity.
In recent years, Jane has consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular baby names for girls in the United States. For example, in 2021, there were 1172 babies named Jane at birth, making it the 683rd most popular name for that year.
Overall, these statistics show that while the popularity of the name Jane has waxed and waned over time, it remains a classic choice for parents looking to give their daughters a timeless and enduring name.