Jean: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days serve as cultural celebrations across many parts of the world, honoring the patron saint associated with a given name. The name Jean, rich in historical depth, carries an ancient origin meaning "God is gracious." Its popularity spans continents, though its gender identity shifts drastically between French and English linguistic zones. The mood associated with Jean is often described as classic, stable, and elegantly simple. Reflecting its widespread adoption, Jean celebrates multiple name days throughout the year, including observances in the USA, France, and Spain.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Jean's name day is celebrated
on March 8 in France,
June 24 in Spain, Ukraine and the USA,
August 19 in France,
October 23 in France and
December 27 in France.
The Story Behind This Name
The name Jean has a long and complex history of usage across Western Europe, particularly thriving in France where it remains a perennial classic. Historically, it surged in popularity globally during the 20th century, often crossing linguistic boundaries. In the USA, Jean was exceptionally popular as a female given name throughout the 1920s to 1950s, frequently appearing in the top 20 rankings. While its usage as a primary name has declined in recent decades in the US, it remains recognizable and occasionally appears as a middle name. Internationally, especially in French-speaking territories, Jean is firmly established as a traditional masculine name. This dichotomy in gender usage adds to its unique profile across different regions.
Name origin and meaning
The name Jean is a French form derived from the Late Latin name Ioannes. This Latin source ultimately traces back to the ancient Hebrew name Yochanan. This Hebrew root is composed of elements meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The meaning generally associated with Jean is therefore "God is gracious" or "The Lord is merciful." This ancient biblical lineage connects Jean to many equivalent names found across European languages.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
The classification of Jean varies significantly depending on the geographical location and linguistic context. Primarily, in French and French-influenced regions worldwide, Jean is overwhelmingly a masculine name. However, when imported into English-speaking countries, particularly the United States and the UK during the early 20th century, it became widely adopted as a feminine name. This dual usage makes Jean a highly contextual unisex name globally. The masculine usage predominates in Europe while the feminine usage is more common historically in North America.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
Jean projects a mood that is classic, refined, and often perceived as slightly traditional. It carries an air of quiet sophistication and simplicity, favoring substance over flashiness. The tone is strong yet soft, reflecting its historical endurance while remaining gentle and approachable. Depending on the usage (male or female), it can convey an intellectual and trustworthy personality. Jean evokes a feeling of historical stability and enduring European elegance.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Jean
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 3 – The Communicator.
Keywords: Creativity, joy, social expression, charisma, inspiration.
Positive Traits: Artistic, optimistic, outgoing, charming, entertaining.
Challenges: Can be superficial, scattered, or struggle with focus and discipline.
Life Path Meaning: A life of creative expression, communication, and optimism.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 3 - The communicator.
Traits: Creative, expressive, social, optimistic.
Strengths: Charismatic, artistic, talented in communication and writing.
Challenges: Can be scattered, superficial, or struggle with discipline.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Jupiter - Expansion, Luck, Wisdom.
Jupiter is the planet of abundance, wisdom, and higher learning. Names ruled by Jupiter are often linked to individuals with a strong sense of optimism, generosity, and a love for adventure. These names carry a vibration of success, good fortune, and the pursuit of knowledge. People with Jupiter-ruled names often have a philosophical mindset and a natural ability to inspire others.
Name days: Name Jean
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 France | March | 8 | Jean |
 Spain | June | 24 | Ivana, Iván, Jean, Joan, Jon, Juan, Juana |
 Ukraine | June | 24 | Bohuslav, Bohuslava, Boris, Boryslav, Boryslava, Ivan, Jean, Joan, Johanna, John, Slavka, Slavko, Yvonna |
 USA | June | 24 | Giovanna, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Jana, Jean, Jeanette, Jeannette, Johan, John, Johnnie, Johnny, Juan, Juana, Juanita, Sean, Shana, Shane, Shanna, Yancy |
| France | August | 19 | Jean |
| France | October | 23 | Jean, Simon |
| France | December | 27 | Fabiola, Jean |
Name days: Similar names (Jean)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Greece | January | 7 | Gianna, Giannis, Ioannis, Ivana, Jeannette, John, Prodromos |
| France | April | 7 | Clotaire, Jean-Baptiste |
 Norway | April | 21 | Jannike, Jeanette |
 Sweden | May | 29 | Jeanette, Yvonne |
| France | May | 30 | Ferdinand, Jeanne, Lorraine |
| France | June | 24 | Jean-Baptiste |
Jean A Name of Versatility
Jean stands out as a unique given name defined by its profound historical adaptability and widespread global use. Originating from the Hebrew for "God is gracious," it maintains a classic and enduring mood across cultures. The name’s defining characteristic is its gender fluidity, being strongly male in France but often female in the United States, cementing its role as a cross-cultural unisex choice. Furthermore, its numerous name days, celebrated on multiple dates across various countries, highlight its deep integration into global Christian and cultural calendars. Jean is thus a name of both historical weight and versatile contemporary relevance.
When Is Your Name Day?
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