Jean
Meaning of Jean
The name Jean is a timeless and versatile choice that has been cherished across various cultures and eras. Originating from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "God is gracious," Jean has evolved into a unisex name used widely in both English- and French-speaking countries. In English, it is pronounced as "jeen" (/dʒin/), while the French pronunciation is "zhahn" (/ʒɑn/). The name shares close ties with other classic names such as John, Jane, and Joan. Historically popular in the United States, Jean reached its peak usage in the early 20th century but continues to be a beloved choice for parents seeking a name that embodies grace and tradition. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity, elegance, and cross-cultural resonance.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as jeen (/dʒin/)
French
- Pronunced as zhahn (/ʒɑn/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Jean
| Jean Piaget - Jean William Fritz Piaget was a Swiss psychologist renowned for his groundbreaking work on child development and his theory of cognitive development known as "genetic epistemology". |
| Jean Sibelius, a Finnish composer, is celebrated as his country's greatest composer and is credited with helping Finland develop a stronger national identity during the late 19th century. |
| Jean Harlow was a leading sex symbol and actress in the early 1930s, known for her "Blonde Bombshell" persona and enduring legacy in Hollywood. |
| Jean Monnet was a French civil servant and political visionary who played a key role in the founding of the European Union. |
| Sir Jean de Carrouges IV was a French knight known for winning one of the last judicial duels in medieval France, fighting on behalf of his wife against charges of rape brought against his neighbor Jacques Le Gris. |
| Jean Moulin was a prominent French civil servant and leader of the French Resistance during World War II. |
| Jean Cocteau - Jean Maurice Eugène Clément Cocteau was a versatile and influential French artist associated with the surrealist, avant-garde, and Dadaist movements in the early 20th century. |
| Jean Paul Gaultier is a French fashion designer known for his unconventional designs and as the "enfant terrible" of the fashion industry, who founded his eponymous fashion label in 1982 and worked as the creative director for Hermès from 2003 to 2010. |
| Jean Dubuffet - Jean Philippe Arthur Dubuffet was a French painter and sculptor known for founding the art movement art brut and for his idealistic approach to aesthetics. |
| Jean Paul was a renowned German Romantic writer celebrated for his witty novels and stories. |
| Jean Kennedy Smith - Jean Ann Kennedy Smith was an Irish-American diplomat, activist, and member of the famous Kennedy family. |
| Jean Drèze is a Belgian-born Indian welfare economist, social scientist, and activist known for his work on developmental issues in India. |
| Jean Carlos Rodríguez López-Cepero, also known as Jean, is a Puerto Rican singer and the younger brother of Luis Fonsi, known for his solo music career and production work with Coastcity. |
| Joseph Jean Arthur Béliveau was a legendary Canadian ice hockey player, known for his 20-season career with the NHL's Montreal Canadiens and his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1972. |
| Jean Tirole is a prominent French economist known for his expertise in industrial organization, game theory, banking and finance, and psychology, with a focus on creating fair regulations that promote innovation. |
