Jacqueline

Meaning & origin

Jacqueline is a name with a long history that rose to prominence in the United States during the mid-20th century. Its peak came in 1964, when it ranked among the top names for girls, a popularity likely influenced by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who brought elegance and visibility to the name. In 2025, Jacqueline ranks 558th, a significant drop from its peak, reflecting a trajectory that has been falling since 1988. Despite this decline, it remains in moderate use, with about 1 in every 2,971 baby girls receiving the name this year. The name is especially favored in states like Delaware, Massachusetts, and Idaho, showing some regional concentration. Jacqueline is often considered a classic French choice, though its roots stretch back to Hebrew through Jacques and James. Parents drawn to Jacqueline might appreciate its sophistication and the friendly nicknames Jackie or Jacqui, which gave it a versatile, approachable feel during its heyday. While it is no longer a top 100 name, Jacqueline retains a sense of timeless style for many families.

Jacqueline is the French feminine diminutive of Jacques, which is the French form of James, derived from the Late Latin Iacomus, a variant of Iacobus, itself from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov. The meaning is typically given as "supplanter" or "holder of the heel," based on the biblical story of Jacob, though some interpret it as "may God protect." Jacqueline has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries since the 17th century but gained widespread popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the United States during the mid-20th century. It was notably borne by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, which contributed to its peak in the 1960s.