A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Jean since 1880
Babies named Jean per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,000 | 152 |
| 1890s | 2,396 | 185 |
| 1900s | 5,931 | 267 |
| 1910s | 39,284 | 1,351 |
| 1920s | 105,999 | 2,978 |
| 1930s | 94,189 | 2,049 |
| 1940s | 80,363 | 1,573 |
| 1950s | 72,263 | 1,516 |
| 1960s | 37,280 | 1,831 |
| 1970s | 11,027 | 2,228 |
| 1980s | 4,858 | 2,617 |
| 1990s | 1,849 | 2,968 |
| 2000s | 829 | 2,617 |
| 2010s | 707 | 1,829 |
| 2020s | 461 | 878 |
Meaning & origin
Jean has been a name of steady presence across generations, with recorded use in the U.S. since 1880. The name saw its highest popularity during the 1930s, reaching a peak in the year 1930. In that decade, it became a revival favorite, reflecting a broader cultural appreciation for classic, straightforward names. Today, Jean is ranked #2117, with approximately 1 in 18,264 babies receiving the name in 2025. After a period of decline, its trajectory has been rising since 2009, suggesting a modest but sustained comeback. The name is most frequently given in New York, California, and Texas, indicating a broad geographical appeal. While once a top choice for boys and girls alike, its usage has shifted over time, and it now leans more toward female bearers. The enduring simplicity of Jean, coupled with its rich etymological roots, continues to attract parents seeking a name that is both traditional and understated.
Jean is the French form of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' This name became widely used throughout medieval Europe due to the influence of Christian saints and royalty. In English, Jean has been used as a unisex name since the Middle Ages, with a particularly strong presence in Scotland, where it was often used as a feminine name, equivalent to Jane or Joan.
Where Jean is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Jean” around the world
Where Jean lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
540
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Quebec
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jeannie, Johnny
Sibling names for Jean
Names that share Jean's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Helen, Ruth, Dorothy, Mildred, Lois, Billie, Gail, Jayne, Lynn, Maryann, Sue, Susanne, Suzanne, Yvonne, Anette, Chantal, Helene, Ivette, Ivonne, Jacquelin, Janis, Jeanine, Lissette, Marjory, Nannette, Janyce, Marchelle, Margy, Deserie, Dyann, Evone, Francoise, Jacquita, Jeanett, Jennett, Josee, Judee, Leane, Lisanne, Louellen, Mariette, Mechele, Ninette, Racine, Reine, Yevette, Ange, Anntoinette, Bonne, Cathe, Linn, Marise, Marthe, Murielle, Pierrette, Yevonne, Yvett, Annick, Barbarajean, Chantale, Ineza, Janiene, Janit, Julann, Marieanne, Michille, Nicolet, Rennee, Susane
Brothers: John, James, Robert, William, Charles, Andre, Claude, Dale, Gene, Joan, Marc, Murray, Rene, Francois, Gean, Gregg, Jacques, Michel, Pierre, Russ, Christophe, Erskine, Jame, Jann, Kenith, Les, Philippe, Yves, Donold, Duval, Erskin, Georges, Gleen, Jacquel, Michon, Moise, Rodd, Rohn, Bing, Carr, Dorn, Dougles, Gar, Janes, Roch, Huie, Jaque, Jerrol, Philipe, Yvon
Names like Jean
Names whose popularity has moved with Jean's over the last 50 years.
