Jeanne

Jeanne is a feminine given name of French origin, the equivalent of the English Joan and the Latin Johanna. It comes from the masculine Jean, via the Old French Jehanne and later Jeanne, with roots in the Latin Ioannes and the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning “Yahweh is gracious.” The name has long been common in France and in French-speaking communities and appears in several spelling variants, including Jehanne and Jeannette, as well as related forms such as Janine. In English contexts, related forms include Joan, Jane, and the diminutive Jeannie.

Historically, Jeanne has been associated with religious and noble figures in French history. The most famous bearer is Saint Jeanne d’Arc, known in English as Joan of Arc, who played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years’ War and was canonized as a saint. The name also appears across French literature and culture.

Notable people named Jeanne include Jeanne Calment, the French supercentenarian; Jeanne Moreau, a celebrated actress; Jeanne Shaheen, an American politician; Jeanne Gang, an American architect; and Jeanne Crain, an American actress. Other historical figures include Jeanne Hachette, a French heroine, and Jeanne Baret, a pioneering botanist who traveled undercover as a man.

Today the name Jeanne remains in use in France and in Francophone communities worldwide, while English-speaking families may use Joan or Jane or adopt Jeanne for French heritage. The name also appears in fictional works and popular culture, reflecting its enduring association with grace and identity.