Jean

Jean is the French variant of the first names Johannes and Johann as well as the English form of Johanna. The name is translated as 'God is gracious' in both cases.

What does the name Jean mean?

Jean represents the French form of the names Johannes and Johann and is also the English form of Johanna. The meaning in both cases is 'God is gracious'. The origin lies in the Hebrew name Jochanan (hebr. jôḥānān), which is composed of the elements jô for 'God' and ḥnn for 'to be gracious to someone'. In the French-speaking world, Jean is used as a male first name [ʒɑ̃], while in the English-speaking world it is used as a female first name [dʒiːn], making it gender-neutral. In French naming conventions, it is common to combine Jean with other names, such as Jean-Claude. Notable personalities with this name include fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier, actor Jean-Claude Van Damme, and journalist Jean Pütz. In Germany, Jean is primarily known as a male first name, but it is not particularly common here either.

Where does the name Jean come from?

The origin of the name Jean is closely linked to Johannes and derives from the Greek name Ioannes, which in turn goes back to the Hebrew name Jochanan. This is composed of 'jô' for 'God' and 'ḥnn' for 'to be gracious to someone'.

How do you pronounce Jean?

The pronunciation of the name Jean is monosyllabic and has a soft sound. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as a French-influenced 'Schang' [ʒɑ̃], starting with a soft fricative sound that exudes elegance. The nasal vowel gives the name a special timbre. Jean appears stylish and tradition-conscious through its compact form – reduced, present, and cultivated.

When is the name day of Jean?

August 19, October 19

Popularity

In Germany, Jean is a popular first name and currently ranks 1,154th in the list of the most common male first names. Its highest ranking was in 1933 at 102nd place. In the last ten years, Jean has been given as a first name about 620 times, placing it at 765th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 602nd.

Nicknames & pet names

Jd / Jea / Jealein / Jean das Schaf / Jeanbo / Jeanly / Jeanny / Jeano / Jeanpi / Jeany / Jeanytier / Jonny / Schornie / Schäng

Similar first names

Famous people

• Barbara Jean Moorhead (American actress)
• Billie Jean (person from the song 'Billie Jean' by Michael Jackson)
• Britney Jean Spears (singer and actress)
• Cesar Julien-Jean Le Gallois (French doctor)
• Hermine (Hermione) Jean Granger (fictional character from Harry Potter; author: Joanne K. Rowling)
• Jean 'Jinx' Honeychurch (book character in the book 'Jinx-the cursed love spell')
• Jean Alesi (French racing driver (also Formula 1))
• Jean Amadou Tigana (French football player)
• Jean Anderson (British actress)
• Jean Arthur (1900–1991, American actress)
• Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier (French mathematician)
• Jean Baptiste Racine (French classical writer)
• Jean Biedermann (known as Jeanette) German singer, actress, songwriter, author)
• Jean Carol (actress from America)
• Jean Ces (boxer from France)
• Jean Chapman (British writer)
• Jean Chopin (French footballer)
• Jean Claude van Damme (actor)
• Jean Craighead George (1919–2012, American writer)
• Jean Day (American writer)