Jacqueline
Jacqueline: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdʒækəlɪn/
Meaning and origin of Jacqueline
Root meaning: “James”
- A female given name from French.
Etymology
From French Jacqueline, a feminine diminutive form of Jacques (“James”), from Hebrew יעקב (ya'akóv, “Jacob”), from the root עקב (‘akev, “heel”), because the biblical patriarch Jacob was born just behind Esau, and was grasping Esau’s heel in an effort to prevent him from being born first.
How popular is Jacqueline?
Since 1880, 426,088 girls and 1,391 boys in the U.S. have been named Jacqueline (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #37 in 1961. Its highest rank for boys was #1103 in 1964. In 2025 it ranked #558 for girls, with 541 babies given the name.
Names similar to Jacqueline
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More French girl names
Sibling name ideas for Jacqueline
Sister and brother names that share Jacqueline's French roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Jacqueline FAQ
What does the name Jacqueline mean?
Jacqueline traces back to a root meaning "James". A female given name from French. From French Jacqueline, a feminine diminutive form of Jacques (“James”), from Hebrew יעקב (ya'akóv, “Jacob”), from the root עקב (‘akev, “heel”), because the biblical patriarch Jacob was born just behind Esau, and was grasping Esau’s heel in an effort to prevent him from being born first.
What is the origin of the name Jacqueline?
Jacqueline is listed as a name of French origin.
How popular is the name Jacqueline?
Since 1880, 426,088 girls and 1,391 boys in the U.S. have been named Jacqueline (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #37 in 1961. Its highest rank for boys was #1103 in 1964. In 2025 it ranked #558 for girls, with 541 babies given the name.
Is Jacqueline a boy or girl name?
Jacqueline is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 426,088 girls and 1,391 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.