Medieval English form of Jehanne, an Old French feminine form of Iohannes (see JOHN). This became the most common feminine form of John in the 17th century, surpassing Joan. Famous bearers include the uncrowned English queen Lady Jane Grey (1536-1554), who ruled for only 9 days, the British novelist Jane Austen (1775-1817), who wrote 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'Pride and Prejudice', and the British primatologist Jane Goodall (1934-). This was also the name of the central character in Charlotte Bronte's novel 'Jane Eyre' (1847).
Famous People: Jane Austenwiki (Writer, 1775, United Kingdom), Jane Fondawiki (Actor, 1937, United States), Lady Jane Greywiki (Nobleman, 1537, United Kingdom), Jane Goodallwiki (Anthropologist, 1934, United Kingdom), Jane Addamswiki (Social Activist, 1860, United States), Jane Seymourwiki (Companion, 1508, United Kingdom), Jane Russellwiki (Actor, 1921, United States), Jane Wymanwiki (Actor, 1917, United States), Jane Seymourwiki (Actor, 1951, United Kingdom), Jane Birkinwiki (Actor, 1946, United Kingdom)