Jeanne is a feminine given name of French origin and meaning. It comes from the Hebrew name "Yochanan" which means "God is gracious." This name has been popular in France for centuries, with some notable figures throughout history bearing this name.
One of the most famous Jeanne's was Joan of Arc, born in 1412 in Domrémy, France. She played a crucial role in the Hundred Years' War between England and France, leading French forces to several victories against the English. For her courage and leadership, she became a national heroine and is considered a saint by the Catholic Church.
Another notable figure was Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, also known as Madame de Pompadour, who served as the official chief mistress of King Louis XV from 1745 to 1752. She played an important role in the French political scene during that time and was a patron of the arts.
The name Jeanne has also been popular among writers and artists throughout history. Some notable examples include French novelist Jeanne Calment, who lived to be 122 years old and held the title of the oldest verified person ever; and American poet Jeanne Heiberg, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1975.
Today, Jeanne remains a popular name in France and other Francophone countries. It is often associated with grace, elegance, and strength due to its historical figures and meaning.
The name Jeanne has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States.
In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, Jeanne was quite popular, with more than 150 births per year occurring between 1907 and 1926. The peak of this period occurred in 1918, when there were 1,846 births.
However, as the decades passed, the name's popularity began to decline. By the 1960s, fewer than 3,000 births per year bore the name Jeanne. This downward trend continued into the 21st century, with only a few dozen births per year since 2007.
Despite its decline in popularity, Jeanne remains a classic and enduring name, with a rich history and cultural significance. It is a timeless choice that continues to be given to newborn daughters even today, albeit in smaller numbers than in the past.
In recent years, there have been approximately 30-40 births per year with the name Jeanne in the United States.