Popular Girl Names That Start With J Throughout History

Girl names that start with J blend classic charm and modern style. From Biblical heroines to today’s U.S. chart-toppers, these names have remained familiar and loved across generations.

Ancient Origins (Biblical, Greek, Roman)

• Judith – Hebrew, Biblical heroine
• Joanna – Hebrew, “God is gracious”
• Julia – Latin, “of the Julii”
• Junia – New Testament name
• Juniper – Ancient plant name
• Justina – Latin, “fair; righteous”
• Jemima – Biblical, “dove”
• Jochebed – Biblical mother of Moses
• Jael – Biblical heroine
• Juno – Roman queen of the gods
• Jovita – Latin, from Jupiter
• Justa – Early Christian saint
• Jacoba – Feminine of Jacobus

Medieval and Renaissance

• Joan – From Johanna; borne by Joan of Arc
• Johanna – Latinized medieval form
• Juana – Spanish royal use
• Jeanne – French form of Joan
• Jacquetta – Medieval noble name
• Juliana – Latin classic
• Justina – Popular saint’s name
• Jadwiga – Polish royal name
• Jacqueline – French diminutive of Jacques
• Jeannette – French diminutive
• Joyce – From the Breton name Iodoc
• Jacomina – Dutch variant
• Jelena – Slavic Helen form
• Jutta – Germanic medieval name

Victorian and Early Modern (1800s–early 1900s)

• Julia – Steady English favorite
• Josephine – Napoleonic era influence
• Jessie – Diminutive of Jessica
• Jane – Literary classic
• Jean – Traditional in Scotland
• Joanna – Biblical revival
• Jemima – Vintage Biblical name
• June – Calendar name
• Joy – Virtue name
• Janet – Scottish diminutive
• Judith – Mid century revival
• Jewel – Gemstone name
• Jocelyn – From a medieval surname
• Justine – Elegant French
• Julianna – Elaborate Julia form
• Jeannine – French-influenced style

Modern Favorites (20th–21st Century, U.S. Focus)

• Julia – Timeless and elegant
• Jade – Gemstone favorite
• Jasmine – Floral and Disney influence
• Josephine – Classic comeback
• Jordan – Unisex surname style
• Josie – Friendly diminutive
• Juliana – Romantic classic
• Jolene – Country music revival
• Juniper – Botanical trend
• Juliette – French chic
• June – Sunny vintage
• Joy – Simple virtue
• Jenna – 1990s favorite
• Janelle – Smooth and modern
• Jovie – Bright, cheerful feel
• Justice – Modern virtue

Helpful Resources

Use these sources to check meanings and U.S. popularity:

• U.S. SSA official name rankings
• Behind the Name etymology database
• Britannica on Joan of Arc
• Babysense guide to choosing a baby name
• Babysense Prisma non WiFi monitor

FAQs

From Judith and Joan to Julia and Josephine, J names connect deep history with current U.S. trends. Use the resources above to confirm meanings and popularity as you shortlist your favorites.