Name days are always fun, and National Jane Day, observed on June 13 every year in the U.S., is no different. This familiar name for girls is very popular across the world. It’s so commonly known that generic terms like ‘Jane Doe’ and ‘Plain Jane’ are used to describe certain women. The name Jane is of English origin and means ‘God is gracious,’ it is basically assigned to a kind and pleasant personality. It is thought the name derives from the old French name Jehanne. It also has Hebrew origins, referring to the name Yochanan, meaning ‘Yahweh is merciful.’
History of National Jane Day
Jane is a female given name and the English version of ‘Jehanne,’ the Old French feminine form of ‘Iohannes,’ the Latin form of the Greek ‘Iōannēs’ that derives from the Hebrew name ‘Yochanan.’ This Hebrew variation is the short form of ‘Yehohanan,’ which means ‘Yahweh is merciful.’In the mid-sixteenth century, the name was often used in England by aristocratic families for their daughters and as an alternative to the more usual variation, Joan. The name Jane has been around in England since Tudor times, moving in and out of fashion. Jean and Joan have alternated in a contest of popularity. The nineteenth century saw Martha Jane Cannary, better known as ‘Calamity Jane,’ a woman famous for her shooting and horse-riding skills, which she displayed to much applause at the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.The name has star quality, and during the golden age of Hollywood filmmaking in the twentieth century, glamour, style, and luxury reigned. We find Jane Russell, a dark-haired beauty and foil for the blonde Marilyn Monroe, Jane Fonda, and Jane Powell. In the early, to mid-twentieth century Joan became more popular and ranked in the top 500 most popular names given to girls in the U.S. However, the name was replaced by Jane on the popularity charts in the twenty-first century.Jane is not considered to be too plain. Even though it is a short one-syllable name, it packs a surprising amount of punch, compared to the related Jean and Joan. Jane was once so universal that it became generic, as in the term Jane Doe and the movie about a female naval military officer “G.I. Jane,” then for a time as the back end of such blends as Maryjane, Bettyjane, and Sarajane.
National Jane Day timeline
The name Jane is used as an alternative to the name Joan.
Jane is used as a glamour name, particularly by movie fans.
Jane replaces Joan on the popularity charts in the U.S.
According to 2020 data from the Social Security Administration, Jane is currently 265 of the most popular name for girls in the U.S.
National Jane Day FAQs
What middle names go with Jane?
Two perfect middle names for Jane are Aurora and Blaise.
What’s a Jane personality like?
They are traditionalists who are simple, value honesty, are sincere, bighearted, gentle, and committed to their tasks. They are all-round good people.
What year was the name Jane most popular?
In 1911, Jane finally landed a coveted spot on the 100 most commonly used girl names in the U.S.
National Jane Day Activities
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Search for information about famous Janes
Research famous people named Jane around the globe and learn a little about their achievements. For example, you can search for information about the nineteenth-century writer Jane Austen.
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Watch a movie
Of course, there are movie actresses called Jane in the world. Celebrate by watching a movie about a character called Jane. You can watch the Disney movie “Tarzan” if you like.
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Make new friends
Take this day as an opportunity to make new friends. Meet Jane and have a nice day with her.
5 Important Janes In History
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Jane Seymour
She was Queen of England as the third wife of King Henry VIII of England.
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Jane Jacobs
This Canadian journalist, author, theorist, and activist influenced urban studies, sociology, and economics.
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Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell
Known simply as Jane Russell, she was an American actress, singer, and sex symbol model.
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Jane Fonda
This American political activist and award-winning actress is ranked by some as the most famous Jane in the world.
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Jane Krakowski
An American actress, comedienne, and singer, she is best known for her starring role as Jenna Maroney in the NBC satirical comedy series “30 Rock.”
Why We Love National Jane Day
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We love reasons to celebrate
Of course, this day is an excuse to celebrate and have a good time. You can take advantage of this day to do whatever you want.
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It’s an opportunity for selfcare
If you are named Jane, take your day off and celebrate your name day. It could be an opportunity for you to enjoy some spa time.
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Its an opportunity to hang out with friends
Search online to see if there is a party nearby and go there to meet new friends. For sure you might come across someone called Jane, or there will be a party hosted by Jane on this day.
National Jane Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 13 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | June 13 | Thursday |
| 2025 | June 13 | Friday |
| 2026 | June 13 | Saturday |
| 2027 | June 13 | Sunday |
