Jehanne

Jehanne is a female given name, an historical or archaic spelling of Jeanne, the French form of John. The spelling Jehanne appears in medieval and early modern records, reflecting the close ties between French naming practices and religious language.

Etymologically, Jehanne derives from the Latin Ioannes, itself from the Greek Iōánnēs, meaning "God is gracious" or "Yahweh is gracious." Over time, the form evolved in French to Jeanne, while Jehanne persisted in some historical texts and genealogies as an alternate variant.

In modern usage, Jehanne is largely uncommon and considered archaic outside of historical or genealogical contexts. Contemporary French prefers Jeanne, and English-language contexts most often use Joan, Joanne, Johanna, or Jeanne. The name has numerous patronymic and diminutive forms across cultures, reflecting its long-standing presence in Christian naming traditions.

Variants include Jeanne (French), Johanne, Joane, Joanne, and Joan, among others. The pronunciation typically aligns with the related forms in their language, with Jehanne following the French phonetic pattern forJeanne, while historical readings may have varied.

Usage and cultural associations: The Jehanne/Jeanne naming tradition is linked to saintly and royal lineages in France and broader European history. As an archival spelling, Jehanne commonly appears in medieval manuscripts, genealogical records, and scholarly discussions of onomastics. In contemporary contexts, the spelling is primarily of historical or familial interest. See also Jeanne for related given-name information.