Jacquiline is a unique and elegant female given name of French origin. It is derived from the male name Jacqueline, which itself is a diminutive form of Jacquette, an old-fashioned French pet form of Jacques. The name Jacques is ultimately derived from the Latin name Jacobus, which means "supplanter" or "held by the heel," referring to the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with God.
The name Jacquiline was popularized during the 20th century, particularly in France and English-speaking countries like Britain and the United States. It is often associated with refined taste and sophistication due to its French roots and its widespread use among upper-class families.
In terms of its spelling and pronunciation, Jacquiline can vary slightly depending on the language and region. In French, it is typically pronounced as /ʒaklin/, while in English, it is usually pronounced as /ˈdʒækəlɪn/. The name can also be spelled Jacqueline or Jacquelin.
Some notable individuals with the name Jacquiline include Jackie Kennedy Onassis, the former First Lady of the United States and a fashion icon, and Jacqueline du Pré, a renowned British cellist. Despite its historic popularity, Jacquiline remains a distinctive and timeless choice for parents looking to give their daughter a unique and elegant name.
The name Jacquiline experienced fluctuations in popularity over the decades. It had its peak years between 1954 and 1965, with 17 to 29 births per year. However, from the late 1970s onwards, it became less common, with fewer than 13 births per year after 1972. The total number of births recorded over this period is 710.