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Names can be curious. They are assigned to us at a very early age, sometimes before we have even made an appearance in the world. A name can have a special significance in a family; a way of honouring traditions, other family members, or people beyond the family. They can also be a complete shift away from all of this, with unique spelling or interpretation.

I think my name, Jane, is a simple one. It is the feminine form of John, which means ‘Jehovah has been gracious’. There are many variations on Jane, including Janette, Jean, and Joan. Shortened versions include Jan, Janey, and Janie.

According to Wikipedia, Jane was a popular name for the daughters of aristocrats in the mid-16th century. In subsequent centuries, it vied with Joan for popularity. Famous Janes include Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII, and Jane Austen, the novelist. And the fictional Jane Eyre, created by Charlotte Bronte, also deserves a mention.

Jane is a handy word when playing Scrabble: it is also the name for a small Genoese coin which circulated in England during the 14th and 15th centuries. An indication of the popularity of the name is evident in its use in slang to represent a girl or woman. Jane Doe comes to mind.

I like the simplicity of my name, and can’t imagine being known as anything else. What does your name mean – and what does it mean to you?

I’m participating in this blogging challenge for the month of January, which supports starting the year on the “write” track. You can find other posts with #bloganuary and join in the challenge.

Photo: old typewriter

Bloganuary writing prompt

Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc.

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