Jean is a masculine given name of French origin and Hebrew meaning. It translates to "God is gracious" in English. The name Jean is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, which means "Yahweh has been gracious." In French, the name evolved from Jehan, which was used during the Middle Ages.
The name Jean has a long history and has been used by many notable figures throughout time. Some famous bearers of this name include Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a French philosopher and writer; Jean-Paul Sartre, an influential French philosopher and existentialist; and Jean-Michel Basquiat, an American artist known for his graffiti art and Neo-expressionism.
In the English-speaking world, Jean is often used interchangeably with John, as both names have similar origins and meanings. However, Jean tends to be more commonly associated with French culture and heritage. The name Jean was particularly popular in France during the 19th century but has since declined in usage. Despite this, Jean remains a classic choice for parents looking for a traditional yet distinctive name for their son.
In literature and art, Jean has been used as a character name in various works, such as "Jean Valjean" from Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables and "Jean Brodie" from Muriel Spark's novel The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. These fictional characters have further popularized the name Jean and contributed to its enduring appeal.
In summary, Jean is a classic French masculine given name with Hebrew origins that translates to "God is gracious." Throughout history, notable figures such as philosophers, writers, and artists have borne this name, which has also been used prominently in literature and art. Although its usage has declined over time in France, Jean remains an attractive choice for parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name for their son.
"The name Jean experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, with the highest number of births recorded in 1918 (226) and 1920 (277). However, its popularity started declining from the late 1930s, reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 108 births in 2021."