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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
Given to nearly one in 205 girls today, this royal first name has been borne by 7 queens of France. Doctissimo tells you more about this first name from the top 50 favorites of the French.
The name Jeanne holds a special place in the hearts of the French. Today, Jeanne seduces with her timelessness and her ability to reinvent herself, mixing tradition and modernity. Doctissimo looks back at the origin and evolution of this name, its sociocultural impact, as well as the reasons for its popularity across generations.
Origins and meaning of the first name Jeanne
According to the book L’Officiel des Prénoms (First Editions), Jeanne is the feminine form of Jean. The latter comes from Hebrew Yohananwhich means “God bless“. This first name, rich in history, was borne by 7 queens of France and many saints. It spread from the Middle Ages to all Christian countries, where it is spelled in many ways: Jehan(ne) in France, Joan in England, Juana in Spain, and Giovanna in Italy.
Joan of Arc: the heroine who marked history
Popularized by Joan of Arc in the 15th century, the name Joan eclipsed its French variants and became Mary’s greatest rival. In history, May 30 celebrates Saint Joan of Arc, the most famous shepherdess in France. Joan of Arc was raised in Domrémy, Lorraine, during the Hundred Years’ War. According to her testimony, she heard heavenly voices that ordered her to free France from the English yoke. After convincing Charles VII to entrust her with an army, she liberated Orléans and paved the way for the coronation of Charles VII in Reims. But after flying to the aid of Compiègne, she was captured by the Burgundians, sold to the English and imprisoned in Rouen. Despite the meager charges brought against her (notably wearing men’s clothing), the tribunal, led by the Bishop of Beauvais Pierre Cauchon, condemned her for heresy. She was burned alive in public in the Place du Vieux-Marché on May 30, 1431.
Other famous people with this first name: Jeanne Balibar, French actress, born in 1968; Jeanne Moreau, French actress (1928-2017); Jeanne Lanvin, designer and founder of the Lanvin fashion house (1867-1946).
Statistics and trends: the popularity of the first name Jeanne in France
In France, Jeanne shines in the top ranks until the 1930s, then fades away to be reborn at the end of the century. If she languishes to break into the national top 20, she seems to be enjoying the firmament of the Parisian table. Her prosperity is also seen in French-speaking countries, particularly in Quebec and Belgium. Jeanne is the 25th most given female name in France since the year 2000. This name is given to nearly one in 205 girls today. It is borne by 135,000 people in France and is part of the top 50 most given female names currently.
Future parents can also fall for its many variations: Ioanna, Ioena, Ioenna, Janka, Janne, Jayne, Jeanie, Jeanick, Jeannick, Jeanna, Jeannice. Its Basque form, Xana, more original can also appeal to parents looking for singularity.
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