AHEAD: The ultimate list of “J” girl names… and which could go viral this year.
If you’re looking for beautiful girl names that start with J, you’re in the right place!
Below, I’ve rounded up every single J name that’s even the slightest bit modern and cool.
Below you’ll find over 100 names, their meanings, and current popularities.
You’ll also find a shortlist of J names poised to go viral in 2025.
Related: Boy Names that Start with J

“J” names trending in 2025
These girls’ names that start with J are climbing the charts right now!
Jade
- Name meaning: Green stone.
- Popularity: #81 (↑7)
Related: Middle Names for Jade
Jaylani 🔥
- Name meaning: Jay’s gift.
- Popularity: #599 (↑167)
Jenesis 🔥
- Name meaning: Beginning.
- Popularity: #653 (↑57)
Josephine
- Name meaning: Jehovah increases.
- Popularity: #64 (↑6)
Josie
- Name meaning: Jehovah increases.
- Popularity: #108 (↑12)
Journi
- Name meaning: Travel or experience.
- Popularity: Journi #591 (↑34), Journee #210, Journey #334
Jovie 🔥
- Name meaning: Joyful.
- Popularity: #588 (↑144)
Julieta
- Name meaning: Youthful.
- Popularity: #391 (↑52)
More on 2025 viral predictions in just a bit.
Popular girl names that start with J
These girl names starting with J are ranked in the top 1000.
Jacqueline
- Name meaning: Supplanter.
- Popularity: #540
Jane
- Name meaning: Noble or gracious.
- Popularity: #281
Jasmine or Jazmin or Jazmine
- Name meaning: Gift from God.
- Popularity: Jasmine #190, Jazmin #645, and Jazmine #922
Jemma
- Name meaning: Gem, precious stone.
- Popularity: #720
Jocelyn
- Name meaning: Member of German tribe.
- Popularity: #347
Joelle
- Name meaning: Jehovah is God.
- Popularity: #936
Jolene
- Name meaning: Lord.
- Popularity: #548
Jolie
- Name meaning: Pretty.
- Popularity: #906
Joy
- Name meaning: Happiness.
- Popularity: #455
Julia
- Name meaning: Youthful.
- Popularity: #122
Juliana or Julianna
- Name meaning: Youthful.
- Popularity: Juliana #248 and Julianna #330
Juliette or Juliet
- Name meaning: Youthful.
- Popularity: Juliette #160 and Juliet #292
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June
- Name meaning: Sixth month.
- Popularity: #171
Juniper
- Name meaning: Young.
- Popularity: #113
If you like these popular J girl names you’ll like these modern girl names.
Unique girl names that start with J
Here are some modern and unique baby names starting with J.
Jadie
- Name meaning: Green stone.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Janie
- Name meaning: Noble or gracious.
- Popularity: This girls’ name starting with “J” hasn’t ranked since 2002.
Jaye
- Name meaning: Victory.
- Popularity: This one-syllable J name isn’t ranking.
Jaylyn or Jaelyne or Jaylin or Jaelynn
- Name meaning: Beautiful victory.
- Popularity: None of these girl names that start with J is ranked.
Jayda
- Name meaning: Jade stone or ‘he knows’.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Jaycee
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: #882
Jayla or Jaylah
- Name meaning: To ascend.
- Popularity: Jayla ranks #355 and Jaylah isn’t ranking.
Jayleen or Jaylee
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: Jayleen ranks #788 and Jaylee isn’t ranking.
Jazlyn or Jaslyn
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: Jazlyn #540 and Jaslyn isn’t ranking.
Jem
- Name meaning: Precious stone.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jessabelle
- Name meaning: Combination of Jesse and Belle meaning beautiful.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Jewel
- Name meaning: Precious stone.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Joella
- Name meaning: Feminine form of Joel meaning Yahweh is God.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Jubilee
- Name meaning: Celebration.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Juneau
- Name meaning: Place name meaning young.
- Popularity: This city-inspired baby name isn’t ranking.
Juno
- Name meaning: The Roman goddess of the heavens.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Justice
- Name meaning: Rightfulness.
- Popularity: #900
If you like unique girl names with J as the first letter, you might also like this list of edgy names.
Rare and unusual J names for girls
You don’t often hear these girl names that start with J.
Jacinth
- Name meaning: Purple gemstone variety of zircon.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Jailey
- Name meaning: Blend of Jay and Bailey (bailiff).
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
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Jakarta
- Name meaning: Victorious and prosperous.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Jalena or Jelena
- Name meaning: Variant of Helena meaning bright, shining one, or torch.
- Popularity: This sun-inspired name isn’t ranking.
January
- Name meaning: Named for Janus, Roman god of doorways.
- Popularity: This winter-related baby name isn’t ranking.
Javeena
- Name meaning: Young and full of life.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Jazari
- Name meaning: From Al-Jazari, legendary inventor.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Jazz
- Name meaning: Musical genre name meaning vigor, excitement.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Jenova
- Name meaning: New beginning.
- Popularity: This perfect rainbow baby name isn’t ranking.
Jessamy or Jessamyn
- Name meaning: Jasmine flower.
- Popularity: Neither version of this nature name is ranking.
Jesslyn
- Name meaning: God exists, blessed.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Joss
- Name meaning: Cheerful.
- Popularity: This 4-letter J name isn’t ranking.
Josette
- Name meaning: French feminine diminutive of Joseph.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Josiane
- Name meaning: French feminine form of Joseph.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Jovienne
- Name meaning: Related to Jupiter, joyful.
- Popularity: This space name isn’t ranking.
Joyana
- Name meaning: Bringer of joy.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Julina
- Name meaning: Youthful, downy-bearded.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Justina
- Name meaning: Just, upright, righteous.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Biblical & spiritual girl names that start with J
These J names are perfect for families of faith!
Note: There are relatively few biblical female names that start with J compared to male names, but they’re all right here!
Jada
- Name meaning: Hebrew name meaning “He knows” or “God knows”.
- Popularity: #537
Jael
- Name meaning: Heroic woman who killed enemy commander Sisera; means “mountain goat”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Jaliyah
- Name meaning: God is gracious.
- Popularity: #652
Jana or Janae
- Name meaning: God is gracious.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Janessa
- Name meaning: Variant of Jane/John meaning “God is gracious”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Janiyah
- Name meaning: God is gracious.
- Popularity: #860
Jara
- Name meaning: Hebrew name meaning “He flows/pours out”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Jarah
- Name meaning: Biblical Hebrew name meaning “Honey” or “Honeycomb”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Javana
- Name meaning: Feminine form of Biblical name Javan, meaning “Greece” or “Dove”
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Jedida
- Name meaning: Hebrew name meaning “Beloved”.
- Popularity: This love-inspired name isn’t ranking.
Jehosheba
- Name meaning: Princess who saved future King Joash; means “Yahweh’s oath”.
- Popularity: This 4-syllable “J” name isn’t ranking.
Jemima
- Name meaning: Job’s eldest daughter after his trials; means “dove”.
- Popularity: This bird-inspired name isn’t ranking.
Jenai
- Name meaning: Hebrew name meaning “God has answered”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Jendayi
- Name meaning: African name meaning “Give thanks to God”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Jerusha
- Name meaning: Mother of King Jotham; means “possession”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Jessamine
- Name meaning: Variant of Jasmine, meaning “Gift from God”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Jessia
- Name meaning: Feminine form of Jesse, meaning “Gift”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Jezebel
- Name meaning: Phoenician princess who became queen of Israel; means “where is the prince?”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Jimena
- Name meaning: Son. He has heard.
- Popularity: #477
Joanna
- Name meaning: Follower of Jesus who supported his ministry; means “God’s grace”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Jochebed
- Name meaning: Mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam; means “Yahweh is glory”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Johanna
- Name meaning: Variant of Joanna, meaning “God is gracious”.
- Popularity: #671
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Jordan
- Name meaning: Sacred river in the Bible.
- Popularity: #361
Julia
- Name meaning: Early Christian mentioned in Romans; means “youthful”
- Popularity: #134
Judith
- Name meaning: Heroine who saved her city from Assyrians; means “woman from Judea”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Junia
- Name meaning: Female apostle praised by Paul; means “belonging to June”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Gender-neutral names that start with J
These nonbinary baby names starting with J would work for a boy or a girl.
Jamie
- Name meaning: Supplanter.
- Popularity: This “J” name ranks #782 for girls and #597 for boys.
Jayce
- Name meaning: The Lord is salvation.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking for girls but ranks #166 for boys.
Jayden or Jaden
- Name meaning: God has heard.
- Popularity: Jayden ranks #352 for boys and isn’t ranking for girls.
Jensyn
- Name meaning: Son of John, modern spelling.
- Popularity: This J name isn’t ranking.
Jordyn or Jordan
- Name meaning: Flowing down.
- Popularity: For girls, Jordyn ranks #266 and Jordan ranks #499. For boys, Jordan ranks #98.
Jules
- Name meaning: Youthful.
- Popularity: This name beginning with “J” (which is also a French boys’ name) is not currently popular for baby girls or boys in the U.S.
Julian
- Name meaning: Youthful.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking for girls but is #33 for boys.
P.S. The boys’ name James also makes a cool middle name for a girl!
If you like gender-neutral baby names starting with the letter “J” you’ll like these hippie names.
International girl names starting with J
These J names for girls come from across the globe!
Jacinta
- Name meaning: Spanish/Latin name meaning “hyacinth flower”.
- Popularity: This name ending in a isn’t ranking.
Jahanara
- Name meaning: Muslim name meaning “flower of the world”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jahida
- Name meaning: Muslim name of uncertain meaning.
- Popularity: This 3-syllable name isn’t ranking.
Jahnavi
- Name meaning: Hindu name meaning “of the Ganges river”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jalila or Jalilah
- Name meaning: Arabic name meaning “important” or “exalted”.
- Popularity: Neither of these girl names that start with J is ranked.
Jamelia
- Name meaning: Muslim name meaning “beautiful”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jamila
- Name meaning: Arabic name meaning “beautiful”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jamini
- Name meaning: Hindu name meaning “moonlight”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Janaki
- Name meaning: Hindu name meaning “of Janaka” (another name for Sita).
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jannah
- Name meaning: Arabic name meaning “paradise” or “garden”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Janvi
- Name meaning: Hindu name meaning “life”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jariya
- Name meaning: Thai name meaning “servant” or “helper”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jasinta
- Name meaning: Indonesian variant of Jacinta, meaning “hyacinth flower”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jaya
- Name meaning: Sanskrit name meaning “victory”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jayanti
- Name meaning: Indian name meaning “victorious” or “conquering”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jihan
- Name meaning: Persian/Arabic name meaning “universe” or “world”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jimisha
- Name meaning: Gujarati name of uncertain meaning.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jinan
- Name meaning: Muslim name meaning “paradise”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jivani
- Name meaning: Gujarati name meaning “life” or “living”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jivika
- Name meaning: Hindu name meaning “lively”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Jora
- Name meaning: Hebrew name meaning “Autumn rain”. Russian name meaning “spring”.
- Popularity: This “J” name isn’t ranking.
Jovanka
- Name meaning: Slavic feminine form of John, meaning “God is gracious”.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
“J” girl names that are past their prime
Most of these J names peaked in popularity in previous decades and, while still usable, may feel less fresh than other options.
👉🏼 Jump ahead to 2025 viral predictions if you wish.
Janelle
- Name meaning: God is merciful.
- Popularity: #692
Jenna
- Name meaning: White wave.
- Popularity: #629
Jennifer
- Name meaning: White wave.
- Popularity: #517
Jessica
- Name meaning: God beholds.
- Popularity: #553
Jessie
- Name meaning: Wealthy.
- Popularity: #800
Jream
- Name meaning: A creative variant of Dream.
- Popularity: #789
Julie
- Name meaning: Youthful.
- Popularity: #707
Julianne
- Name meaning: Youthful.
- Popularity: This name isn’t ranking.
Julissa
- Name meaning: Youthful.
- Popularity: #939
Here are a few more that aren’t currently ranking:
Jean, Jeanette, Janet, Janice, Joan, Joann, Jodie, Jeri, Joyce, Judy
Will any girl names that start with J go viral in 2025?
Yes, I believe so!
There are three stand-out J names poised for dramatic growth this year.
Jaylani
Since debuting in the top 1000 just three years ago at #799, Jaylani has shown explosive acceleration.
After a modest 33-spot improvement in its first year, the name suddenly surged 167 positions to reach #599 in 2023.
In 2023, 496 baby girls were named Jaylani – remarkable for a name that wasn’t even in the top 1000 four years ago.
Related names like Kaylani (#246) and Kailani (#225) show enduring appeal for the -lani sound pattern, while Jaylani’s recent momentum suggests it could be the next breakout star among girl names that start with J.
This acceleration pattern – especially so soon after entering the charts – often signals a name about to go mainstream.
Jaylani’s 2023 jump was one of the largest gains by any girls’ name that year.
Jovie
After being virtually unknown before 2020, this cheerful name has catapulted 334 spots in just three years.
Its most recent jump is particularly telling – climbing 144 spots to reach #588 in 2023, showing the kind of acceleration that often precedes viral growth.
While the name gained initial recognition through Zooey Deschanel’s character in Elf (2003), its recent surge suggests modern parents are discovering it independently.
Jovie hits multiple sweet spots in current naming trends – the playful “ie” ending (like Sadie and Sophie), two syllables (like fellow J-name Juliet), and a joyful, optimistic sound.
With 507 births in 2023 (0.029% of female births), it’s gained enough traction to demonstrate staying power while still feeling fresh and distinctive.
Jenesis
After first entering the top 1000 in 2018 at #967, this modern spelling variation has skyrocketed 314 spots in just 5 years, reaching #653 in 2023.
Its momentum is building rather than slowing, with a 57-spot gain in the most recent year alone.
While the traditional Genesis sits at #57, Jenesis offers parents a fresh alternative that feels more modern among girl names that start with J.
The ‘J’ spelling follows the successful pattern we’ve seen with names like Jaxon (variant of Jackson) and Jayce (variant of Ace).
The name’s meaning – “beginning” or “origin” – resonates with parents seeking meaningful choices with a spiritual connection.
With its three-syllable structure and trendy ‘J’ initial, combined with its position in the 500-700 range where viral names often emerge, Jenesis shows strong potential for 2025.
Still ahead…
What about the other girl names that start with J?
Looking beyond the viral predictions of Jaylani, Jovie, and Jenesis, the landscape of girl names that start with J reveals some fascinating patterns about current naming trends.
Let’s start with the five names showing steady but non-viral growth:
Josephine (#64) demonstrates the enduring appeal of vintage names, maintaining a strong position while climbing steadily. However, its high ranking suggests it’s already found its sweet spot rather than building toward viral status.
Jade (#81) has shown remarkable stability in the top 100, benefiting from both its gemstone association and single-syllable structure. While it continues to rise, its movement is too measured to suggest viral potential.
Josie (#108) follows the successful pattern of friendly nicknames-as-full-names (like Sadie and Sophie), but its consistent ranking suggests it’s reached a comfortable plateau.
Journi (#591) shows promise with its modern spelling variation, but its growth is more gradual compared to the explosive gains we typically see before a name goes viral.
Julieta (#391) demonstrates steady upward movement, likely boosted by the success of Disney’s Encanto, but lacks the dramatic acceleration needed for viral status.
What’s particularly striking about J names is how many are actually declining or stagnating.
Of the 47 girl names starting with J in the top 1000, 31 showed either minimal growth or decline from 2022 to 2023.
Traditional favorites like Jennifer (#517), Jessica (#553), and Julie (#707) continue their gradual descent, reflecting the end of their peak popularity eras.
Even names that showed some upward movement, like Jaycee and Jazmin, are actually in longer-term decline when we look at their five-year trajectories. This pattern is particularly evident in variations like Janiyah and Julissa, which saw brief upticks but lack sustained momentum.
The data suggests we’re seeing a clear shift in preferences for girl names that start with J.
Parents are moving away from the Jessica/Jennifer/Julie generation of names, but haven’t fully embraced new alternatives, with only a select few names like Jaylani showing truly dramatic growth.
This transitional period makes the explosive rise of names like Jaylani (167-spot jump) and Jovie (334-spot climb in three years) even more remarkable against the backdrop of generally declining J-name popularity.
Nicknames for J names
These are great if you love long names but want a shorter J-initial nickname.
👉🏼 Jump ahead to middle name ideas if you wish.
Nicknames that start with J:
Jackie or Jacki
Short for: Jacqueline, Jacquelyn, Jacobina, Jacinda
Jamie or Jaime
Short for: Jameson, Jamilla, Jamila, Jamesina
Jem
Short for: Jemima, Jemma, Jemina
Jenny
Short for: Jennifer, Genevieve, Jenna, Jenessa
Jess or Jessie
Short for: Jessica, Jessamine, Jessamyn, Jessalyn
Jo
Short for: Joanna, Josephine, Jolene, Joelle
Josie
Short for: Josephine, Josette, Joselyn, Josiana
Joy
Short for: Joyce, Joyanna, Joylyn, Joycelyn
Jules or Julie
Short for: Juliet, Julianna, Juliana, Juliette
June
Short for: Juniper, Juna, Junia, June
Nicknames that don’t start with J but come from J names:
Effie
Short for: Josephine, Josefina
Lina
Short for: Jolina, Josephina, Josalina
Nina
Short for: Janina, Justina, Josefina
Posy
Short for: Josephine, Josetta
Sephie
Short for: Josephine, Josefina, Josette
Middle name ideas for “J” girl names
Here are some beautiful first + middle name combinations for a first name that starts with J.
Jacqueline Ella Jada Piper Jade Abigail Jadie Hart Jamie Skyler Jane Alexandria Janie Brooke Jasmine Eve Jayce Hannah Jaycee Natalia Jayden Ariella Jayla Belle Jayleen Olivia Jaylin Lane Jazlyn Mia Jem Teagan Jemma Blakely Jenna Avery Jennifer Hailey Jessica Aubrey Jessie Harper Jewel Meadow Jillian Harlow Joanna Reese |
Jocelyn Nicole Jodi Violet Joelle Aspen Johanna Bryn Jolene Sophia Jolie Madelyn Jordyn Hadley Josephine Sage Josie Penelope Journee Madison Jovie Victoria Joy Leighton Jubilee Hale Jules Arabella Julia Scarlett Julian Hazel Juliana Paige Julianne Morgan Julie Dana Juliette Faye June Magnolia Juniper Faye Juno Lennox Justice Reverie |
The source for popularity data is SSN.
This article was originally published on Nov 6, 2021 and was updated on Jan 1, 2025.