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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Jane

87 replies

ladycarlotta · 19/05/2022 17:30

What do you think? Is it due a comeback? Too plain? I know a few little Joans (mainly Joanie/Joni) but no Janes.

My first daughter has a short Victorian name of the trendier Ada/Cora/Clara/Edith variety and I think Jane would complement it if we had another girl. But I'm also aware that Jane was more popular up til maybe the 60s so as 'classic' names go it might have more of a Susan/Carol/Barbara association.

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EmpressaurusWitchDoesntBurn · 31/05/2022 21:58

I like your name, soulinablackberrypie. It’s a while since I’ve read those books.

soulinablackberrypie · 31/05/2022 21:56

I love Jane (specifically that spelling) and would love to see it revived, especially as a first name, as I think it is a bit unimaginative as a middle name - the Mae or Rose of a certain generation. My oldest friend is a Jane (in her 50s) and she says she's always liked her name.

Branleuse · 24/05/2022 10:12

Im not a fan, but I really like Jean

Snowiscold · 24/05/2022 09:40

Yes, I like it. Simple, classic, and rather cool and stylish.

Bearsan · 24/05/2022 09:39

If you like it then that's all that matters. Personally I think it's really boring but just about ok as a middle name. So many beautiful girls names to choose from.

WhoppingBigBackside · 24/05/2022 09:36

@CharlesIsQueensHorcrux , or Dr Feelgod's Baby Jane or Aerosmith's Janie's got a gun ...

mateysmum · 24/05/2022 09:33

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane is a lovely name

With apologies to Jane Austen - one of the greatest Janes of all!

CharlesIsQueensHorcrux · 24/05/2022 09:21

Plus you can sing her Rod Stewart ‘Baby Jane’ :)

CharlesIsQueensHorcrux · 24/05/2022 09:20

I love it too - simple, elegant, historic / literary - great choice!

schnubbins · 24/05/2022 07:58

I love it!

Pieceofpurplesky · 24/05/2022 07:54

@Luredbyapomegranate it's definitely not a 'younique' spelling. My great granny was Jayne. It's just a variant of Jane.

Forestcantrun · 24/05/2022 02:24

I love it.

froufroulala · 24/05/2022 02:04

Another Jane here. I have not been called plain Jane but was often known as Jane the pain. I quite like the simplicity of it.

Luredbyapomegranate · 24/05/2022 00:24

Pieceofpurplesky · 19/05/2022 18:20

I love it with a Y, Jayne

NOT with a Y, it's appalling younique spelling

But Jane is great, and will be back soon - you can be at the vanguard.

pitterypattery00 · 22/05/2022 23:05

There was a Jane in my year at school (born late 70s) and her name did seem dated compared to all the Lauras, Emmas, Jennifers etc. I admit I found the name very dull. But I now think it's quite nice - funny how perceptions can change over time.

BessieBeach · 22/05/2022 22:56

It’s a beautiful, classic and stylish name.

SisterRuth · 22/05/2022 22:39

Jane is a beautiful, classic name. Understated & strong without shouting about it. I love it. I don't associate with the 70s at all. It's timeless.

celestebellman · 22/05/2022 22:33

I don't get the love for Jane at all - it's possibly the most boring girls name there is. There are so many other classic names that are prettier/ more distinctive - I agree Mary is lovely, would understand if that made a comeback but not Jane.

Dontsayyouloveme · 22/05/2022 22:07

I know a Jayne and she’s never had the ‘plain Jane’ comment directed towards her in the 40 years she’s had the name!

Gherkingreen · 22/05/2022 22:03

Jayne is a prettier version of Jane I think. Like Claire is prettier than Clare Also love Emma.

BeatricePortinari · 22/05/2022 21:57

I think you're ahead of the curve and in 10 years very plain names will be in, with their spareness being seen as elegant in response to all the frilly tweeness we've had.

I predict Anne will have a comeback in this vein.

PleaseYourselfandEatTheCrusts · 22/05/2022 15:01

I like it. It's very underused these days.

Stravaig · 21/05/2022 22:55

Jane is an elegant English classic.

Jayne is a boy's name, no?

Firebird83 · 21/05/2022 22:35

Lovely, and Janie is really cute too.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 21/05/2022 00:04

Jane is gorgeous - so classic and classy with some great namesakes, from Queens to scientists to literary characters and authors. I think it's fine with a trendier Victorian style short sibling name (of the Ada, Cora variety) since Jane has been so well used historically too that it would work . My only slight hesitation about using Jane is the "plain Jane" thing - but I don't think that would probably be relevant for kids today. Oh, and agree the Jayne spelling ruins it for me.