Jane

Jane is an English feminine given name derived from the Old French Jehane, itself a feminization of the Latin Iohannes, which traces back to the Hebrew Yohanan meaning God is gracious. The name became widely used in England during the medieval period and is borne by many notable historical figures, including Lady Jane Grey, the short-reigned sixteenth-century English queen, and Jane Austen, the celebrated novelist. Related forms include Jean, Joan, Joanna, Janine, Jayne, and the Spanish Juana.