Girl Names That Start With J

Popular Girl Names That Start With J

Josephine

Josephine is a well-loved name in the United States.

It is the English, German, and Dutch version of the French name Joséphine. This name is the feminine form of Joseph.

Notable Josephines include Napoleon’s wife and the famous African-American dancer, Josephine Baker.

Jade

Jade is the second most popular girls’ name starting with J.

Named after the pale-green precious stone used in carvings and jewelry, it comes from the Spanish term Piedra de la (ijada). This name gained popularity in the 1970s.

Julia

Dating back to Roman times, Julia is the feminine version of Julius, meaning “downy-bearded” or “youthful.”

This name has remained popular over the centuries. Famous Julias include actress Julia Roberts and cookbook author Julia Child.

Josie

Josie initially started as a shortened form of Josephine but has since grown into a popular name on its own.

Jasmine

Jasmine has its roots in the Persian word for a climbing plant with fragrant flowers, often used in perfumes.

This name became popular in the 1990s, especially after the release of Disney’s Aladdin, featuring Princess Jasmine.

It’s a name that’s also been favored in the African-American community since the 1970s.

Juniper

Juniper has only recently become popular as a name, but its origins lie in the Latin word iuniperus, which refers to the juniper tree.

Juliette

Juliette is a French diminutive of Julie, originating from the name Julius, which means “youthful.”

This name has a romantic feel, contributing to its popularity.

June

June is a charming name that could be perfect for a girl born in this summer month.

Named after the Roman goddess Juno, this name has been popular since the nineteenth century.

Juliana

Juliana and Julianna are both derived from Julia, the feminine form of Julius in Roman times.

These variants offer a more poetic twist on the classic name Julia.

Jordyn

Jordyn is a feminine and contemporary version of the name Jordan, which stems from the biblical river flowing between Jordan and Israel.

The original name means “to flow down” in Hebrew.

Journee

A trendy twist on the name Journey, Journee derives from the Old French word that stems from Latin diurnus, meaning “of the day.”

It’s both unique and popular.

Joanna

Joanna is the female form of John, coming from the Greek Ioanna.

The name means “God is gracious” and appears in the New Testament with Saint Joanna, a follower of Jesus.

Joanna Lumley, a British actress, is a notable modern bearer of this name.

Jane

Jane is another female form of John and has been widely popular in the English-speaking world.

It’s a timeless name shared with figures like Jane Austen, Jane Birkin, Jane Fonda, and the literary character Jane Eyre.

Jocelyn

Jocelyn has its roots in Germanic lands, originally derived from the names of the Geats or the Goths.

This name traveled to England with the Normans in the fourteenth century and has a rich history.

Journey

Like Journee, Journey comes from a term meaning “of the day” in Old French.

It’s a name that evokes a sense of adventure and has grown in popularity.

Jayla

Jayla is a modern, made-up name combining the sounds of jay and la.

Its appealing phonetic qualities have made it popular.

Juliet

Although Juliet is a variant of Juliette, this spelling is perhaps more famous due to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

It’s a lovely, romantic choice for a girl.

Joy

Joy is a name that signifies happiness.

It comes from the Norman word joie and has been a chosen name since the nineteenth century.

It could be an excellent choice if your little girl is a source of joy in your life.

Jessica

Jessica first gained prominence in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, likely based on the biblical name Iscah or Jescha.

It has become a very popular name used by many celebrities, including actresses Jessica Lange, Jessica Alba, and Jessica Biel.

Jennifer

Jennifer is the Cornish form of the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere).

It gained popularity in the twentieth century, particularly after appearing in George Bernard Shaw’s play The Doctor’s Dilemma.

Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jennifer Lopez are just a few of the notable people bearing this name.

Unique Girl Names That Start With J

Jadranka

If you want to go with something different, you may want to turn to the South Slavic languages like Croatian, Serbian, or Slovenian for inspiration.

Jadranka is the feminine form of Adrian, coming from the Roman name Hadrianus, which means “from Hadria” in Latin.

If you have connections with the Adriatic sea, or any of these countries, it could be a lovely and unique name for your baby girl.

Joandra

This unique name is a fusion of the names Joanne and Andrea, so if you like these names and like them even more when they are put together, then Joandra could be a fun choice.

Jacomina

This Dutch name is the feminine form of Iacomus, which comes from James.

The Hebrew name Jacomina stems from, Ya’aqov, which may mean “supplanter” or “may God protect.”

Either way, this Dutch girl’s name has a lovely ring to it, and if you have Dutch heritage (or just love the name), it may be the right one for your daughter.

Jadvyga

Jadvyga is the Lithuanian form of the name Hedwig, a Germanic name that combines the words hadu, meaning “battle” or “combat,” and wig, meaning “war.”

It’s a strong and powerful name, and this Lithuanian version is doubly unique.

Jale

Coming from the Turkish form of Zhaleh, a Persian name meaning “dew” or “hoarfrost,” Jale is a lovely name.

Jalila

This Arabic name is the feminine form of Jalil, meaning “important” or “exalted” in Arabic.

Janika

A name with Finnish and Estonian roots, Janika is the feminine form of Jaan or Jani, the Estonian and Finnish names for John.

Jefimija

Jefimija is the Serbian form of Euphemia, meaning “to use words of good omen” in Greek.

Jefimija was also the name of a fourteenth-century Serbian poet.

Jessamyn

Looking for an alternative to Jasmine? Then maybe try Jessamyn (or even Jessamine) for something different.

Jadzia

This Polish girls’ name is the diminutive of Jadwiga, the Polish form of Hedwig.

Biblical Girl Names That Start With J

Jael

Jael comes from the Hebrew name Ya’el, which means “ibex” or “mountain goat.”

She appears in the Old Testament as the wife of Heber the Kenite.

Jedidah

Jedidah translates to “beloved” or “friend” in Hebrew.

She was the wife of King Amon of Judah and the mother of King Josiah, both figures in the Old Testament.

Jehosheba

Jehosheba was the daughter of King Jehoram of Judah in the Old Testament.

Her name means “God is an oath” in Hebrew. Interestingly, the name Elizabeth is derived from the same Hebrew word.

Jemima

Jemima means “dove” in Hebrew.

She was the oldest of Job’s three daughters in the Old Testament, known for her beauty and grace.

Jerusha

Jerusha comes from the Hebrew word yarash, meaning “possession.”

She was the wife of King Uzziah of Judah, a character in the Old Testament.

Jezebel

Jezebel has its roots in the Hebrew name ‘Izevel, possibly meaning “where is the prince?”

This name is tied to rituals honoring the pagan god Baal. In the Old Testament, Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab.

Judith

Judith means “Jewish woman” in Hebrew, referring to a person from the tribe of Judah.

She appears in the Old Testament as one of Esau’s Hittite wives, but is also the title character in the apocryphal Book of Judith.

Junia

Junia is a feminine form of Junius and appears in the New Testament.

Though considered a biblical name, its roots trace back to Ancient Roman culture and the goddess Juno.

Jochebed

Jochebed is known as the mother of Miriam, Aaron, and Moses in the Old Testament.

Her name means “God is glory” in Hebrew.

Jescha

Jescha is a form of Iscah, meaning “to behold.”

She was Abraham’s niece. The spelling used in the medieval Wycliffe Bible may have inspired Shakespeare’s character Jessica in The Merchant of Venice.

Cool J Girl Names

Jacinda

Jacinda is a variant of the name Jacinta, which originates from the hyacinth flower’s namesake.

It’s a fresh and unique name for a girl. One notable person with this name is Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand.

Jaslene

Jaslene is a name created from two appealing phonetic elements, jaz and lene.

It rose in popularity thanks to Jaslene Gonzalez, a Puerto Rican-born model who won America’s Next Top Model in season eight.

Jacobina

Jacobina, a feminine form of Jacob, is a Dutch name that stands out for its uniqueness and cool factor.

Jada

Jada derives from Jade and has been used as a name since the 1960s.

Actress Jada Pinkett Smith has made this name stylish and recognizable.

Jaden

Jaden is an invented name that became popular when names ending in -den were trendy in the 1990s.

It is a versatile name that can be used for both boys and girls, making it a cool unisex option.

Jewel

Jewel comes from the word for a precious stone and can also trace its roots to the Old French word jouel, meaning “game.”

This name suggests that a child is a precious gem. American singer Jewel Kilcher is a well-known person with this name.

Juno

Juno likely originates from an Indo-European word meaning “young.”

In Roman mythology, Juno was the goddess of marriage, women, and finance, and the wife of Jupiter. The name has also been popularized by the movie Juno, starring Elliot Page.

Jameela

Jameela, also spelled Jamila, is an Arabic name meaning “beautiful.” It’s the feminine form of Jamil.

Jocasta

Jocasta is a Greek name with an unknown meaning.

It’s an uncommon and intriguing name, best known from Greek mythology as the mother of Oedipus.

Janina

Janina is a variation of Jeannine and is used in many countries, including Poland, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, and Sweden.

It’s derived from the name John.

Common Girl Names That Start With J

Jacqueline

Jacqueline is an elegant and classic name used in both English and French-speaking countries. It originates from the name Jacques and can be traced back to the Hebrew name Ya’aqov.

The name Jacqueline has been popular for many years, partly due to the influence of notable figures such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Jamie

Jamie is a unisex name that comes from Lowland Scotland and is a diminutive of James.

Historically, Jamie was used more for boys, but it has been a feminine name since the 19th century. A well-known person with this name is the actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

Janet

Janet is a name that has seen significant popularity, especially around the 1960s.

While Jane is more common, Janet stands out in its own right. Famous people like Janet Jackson have helped keep the name in the public eye.

Jayne

Jayne is an alternative spelling of the name Jane. It has a stylish flair, thanks in part to famous figures like actress Jayne Mansfield.

Jean

Jean is a name with roots in England and Scotland, dating back to the Middle Ages.

It lost some popularity in England but remained strong in Scotland before making a comeback in the 19th century. Notable Jeans include actress Jean Harlow and pop icons like Britney Spears and Marilyn Monroe, both of whom have Jean as a middle name.

Jillian

Jillian is a variant of the name Gillian and has ties to the names Julian and Julius. It offers a unique twist on these traditional names.

Joan

Joan is another name derived from Joanne and John. It became a popular English feminine name during the Middle Ages.

While its popularity was overshadowed by Jane in the 17th century, it regained prominence in the early to mid-20th century. Celebrities like Joan Crawford and Joan Collins, as well as fictional characters like Joan Holloway from Mad Men, bear this name.

Joyce

Joyce originates from the name Josse, which means “lord.”

In the 14th century, Joyce became a popular name for girls and has continued to be used ever since, maintaining its charm and timeless appeal.

Justine

Justine is the French version of Justina, which comes from the Latin word Justus, meaning “just.”

The name carried a certain literary flair due to the title character in Lawrence Durrell’s novel Justine.

JoBeth

JoBeth is a combination of the names Jo and Beth. For those who like both names, JoBeth provides a stylish and popular option. American actress JoBeth Williams is perhaps the most famous person with this name.

Cute and Pretty Girl Names That Start With J

Jacey

This cute name combines the sound “jay” with an ending similar to Casey or Macey. It has a lovely flow to it and is perfect for a cheerful, playful girl.

Jaana

Found in Estonia and Finland, Jaana can either be a feminine version of the name Jaan (John) or a diminutive of Marjaana.

It’s a charming name for those with ties to the Baltic region.

Jaci

Jaci can either be a nickname for Jacqueline or a name of indigenous American origin, where it means “moon” in the Tupi language. It’s a short, sweet choice.

Jackie

A well-known, cute short form of Jacqueline, this name gained popularity thanks to Jackie Kennedy. It’s timeless and stylish.

July

Perfect for a girl born in the summer month, July is a name taken from the calendar.

The month itself was named after the famous Julius Caesar, adding a touch of history to this modern name.

Judy

Often a nickname for Judith, Judy gained fame through the talented American singer and actress Judy Garland. It’s a delightful name with a vintage charm.

Jorie

A pretty diminutive of Marjorie, which originated from the herb marjoram. Jorie is a fresh and lovely choice for a girl.

Jamey

A creative twist on the name Jamie, Jamey is a cute, alternative spelling that stands out.

Jolie

Meaning “pretty” in French, Jolie definitely lives up to its meaning. Though you might think of Angelina Jolie, it’s actually used as her middle name. Interestingly, Jolie isn’t traditionally a first name in France.

Janey

A cute variation of the classic name Jane, Janey offers a sweet and playful twist while retaining its simplicity.

Short Girl Names That Start With J

Jae

Jae is a Korean name suitable for both boys and girls. It signifies “talent,” “ability,” or “riches” in Sino-Korean.

Jan

Jan is often a short form of names like Janet or Janice. It can be used for any name beginning with “Jan.”

Jen

Jen is a popular, shortened version of the name Jennifer. It offers a simple yet recognizable option.

Jess

Jess is a diminutive of Jessica. For those who prefer skipping longer names, Jess is a straightforward and charming choice.

Jet

In Dutch, Jet is a common short form for Henriette or Mariette. It’s a unique name with a strong, modern feel.

Jill

Jill is the short form of Jillian. Beyond its ties to Jillian, it is well-known from the nursery rhyme Jack and Jill.

Jin

Jin originates from the Chinese word for “gold,” “metal,” or “money.”

Depending on the character, it can also mean “tapestry,” “brocade,” “embroidered,” or “ferry.” It is used for both boys and girls in China, Japan, and Korea. A notable example is Jin from the Korean band BTS.

Jip

Jip is a Frisian name derived from Gijsberta, which means “bright” and “pledge” in ancient Germanic. It’s a unique and rare option.

Jo

Jo is a short form of names like Josephine or Joanne. It can also be used for any name starting with “Jo.”

Joss

Joss is commonly a shortened version of Jocelyn. A notable example of this name is the singer Joss Stone.

Lovely Long Girl Names That Start With J

Jaswinder

This lovely name comes from the Sanskrit word yashas meaning “fame,” “praise,” or “glory.” It’s mostly used by the Sikh community for both boys and girls.

Jekaterina

This Russian form of Katherine, also spelled Yekaterina, is an interesting choice if you want a long, unique, and regal name.

Jessamine

This is another form of the name Jasmin, but it also refers to the flowering plants in the cestrum family. It’s a beautiful name especially if you like the sounds of jessa and mine together.

Jannatul Ferdous

You get not one, but two names with this one. It’s a name used in Bengali that comes from the Arabic phrase Jannat al-firdaws, meaning “gardens of paradise.”

Johanneke

This is a Dutch diminutive of the name Johanna, and a lovely, long, elegant name for your little one.

Josceline

This is a different way to spell the name Jocelyn, and a lovely choice if you want to combine jos with celine.

Jumanah

Jumanah is an Arabic girls’ name meaning “pearl.”

Jyotsana

Meaning “moonlight” in Sanskrit, Jyotsana is a beautiful name you may be considering, especially if your family has ties to India.

Jacquetta

Another playful feminine variation on the name Jacques.

Jahanara

Coming from the Persian words Jahan, meaning “world” and ara, meaning “decorate” or “adorn”, this is a beautiful name for your little girl. Jahanara was actually the name of the eldest daughter of the seventeenth-century Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal.

Even More Girl Names That Start With J

Jill

Jill is a classic name that is simple and elegant. It often brings to mind a friendly and approachable personality.

Jasmine

Jasmine is a fragrant flower and also a popular name that carries a sense of beauty and grace.

Josie

Josie is a cute and short form of Josephine. It’s lively and has a playful vibe.

Jenna

Jenna is an easy-to-pronounce name that sounds modern and stylish, often associated with outgoing and friendly individuals.

Juliet

Juliet is a romantic name with literary roots, often linked to a poetic and sensitive nature.

Joy

Joy is a straightforward and happy name that embodies cheerfulness and positivity.

Jamie

Jamie is a versatile name used for both boys and girls, known for its friendly and easygoing nature.

Jillian

Jillian is a longer form of Jill, bringing a formal yet approachable feel to the name.

Jade

Jade is inspired by the green gemstone, symbolizing purity and strength.

Jada

Jada is a unique name with a modern edge, often associated with confident and strong-willed individuals.

Jordan

Jordan is a unisex name that carries a sense of adventure and versatility.

Jana

Jana is a simple and melodic name, often linked to kindness and a gentle spirit.

June

June is inspired by the summer month. It evokes warmth and brightness.