MallowbyNames

Jadis

JAY-dis · Of uncertain origin; possibly an invented name or a variant of Jadwiga, meaning 'battle' in Polish.

2025 rank (girls)
#8,860
Babies named in 2025
11
Peak popularity
2007
2025 frequency
1 in 146,115 girls
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Rising since 2015

Rising since 2015, #8,860 for girls today.

Popularity of Jadis since 1999

Babies named Jadis per year in U.S. Social Security records.

71522200020102020Most births 2007GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1990s60
2000s96103
2010s6956
2020s5425

Meaning & origin

Jadis is a rare unisex name that saw a modest rise in popularity after 1999, with a peak in 2007. It has been steadily rising since 2015, though it remains uncommon with a current rank of 8,860 (1 in 146,115 births). The name is almost entirely associated with C.S. Lewis's White Witch from the Chronicles of Narnia, giving it a literary and somewhat dark mystique. Its usage has not been concentrated in any particular state, suggesting scattered, niche appeal among fans of fantasy literature.

Jadis first appeared in popular culture as the name of the White Witch in C.S. Lewis's 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' (1950). Lewis likely invented the name, possibly deriving it from the French word 'jadis' meaning 'formerly' or 'of old.' Its modern use as a given name is rare and most likely inspired by the character.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Jade, Jady

Sibling names for Jadis

Names that share Jadis's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

J is for Jadis, our favorite little person.

J is for Jadis…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Jadis's letter becomes Jadis's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Jadis's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Jadis mean?
Jadis is a name of uncertain meaning, famously borne by the White Witch in C.S. Lewis's Narnia series. It may be derived from the French word for 'formerly.'
How popular is the name Jadis?
Jadis is quite rare. As of 2025, it ranked 8,860 and was given to approximately 1 in 146,115 newborns in the United States.
Is Jadis a boy or girl name?
Jadis is considered unisex, though it is more commonly used for girls.