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Jacqueline

Pronunciation: [ j-AKW-uhl-ihn ]

Girl Name #589 Most Popular Steady 3 Syllables

Forever associated with grace and American elegance

French English American Belgian
Classic Elegant Sophisticated Royal

Meaning & Origin

"supplanter, one who grasps the heel"
Origin: Hebrew (via French Jacques)
Language: English
"may God protect"
Origin: Hebrew Ya'aqov alternative interpretation
Language: English

The Story of Jacqueline

Jacqueline is the French feminine form of Jacques, which is the French equivalent of James and Jacob — both derived from the Hebrew Ya'aqov, meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows at the heel.' The name entered the English-speaking world with Norman French influence after 1066 and was elevated to iconic status by Jacqueline Kennedy, who made it synonymous with grace and style in the 20th century.

Jacqueline peaked in the United States in the 1960s, propelled by the cultural phenomenon of Jackie Kennedy. The First Lady's elegance, fashion sense, and tragic widowhood made her name aspirational for a generation of parents. The name has since softened from peak popularity while retaining its prestige.

In French culture, Jacqueline carries centuries of aristocratic heritage. The name's most enduring cultural imprint comes from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who redefined what it meant to be a First Lady and became a global fashion icon. Her influence on the name cannot be overstated.

Fun Facts

  • Jacqueline Kennedy commissioned the complete restoration of the White House and launched a historic televised tour in 1962
  • Jacqueline du Pré was considered one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century before MS ended her career at 28
  • The name entered French use in the 13th century as a feminine form of Jacques

Jacqueline in Other Languages

French Jacqueline
German Jacqueline
Italian Giacomina
Spanish Jacqueline / Jaqueline
Portuguese Jaqueline

Famous People Named Jacqueline

J

Jacqueline du Pré

Musician

1945

British cellist regarded as one of the greatest classical musicians of the 20th century, whose career was cut short by m...

British cellist regarded as one of the greatest classical musicians of the 20th century, whose career was cut short by multiple sclerosis

J

Jacqueline Wilson

Writer

1945

Beloved British children's author known for The Story of Tracy Beaker and dozens of other books that honestly portray ch...

Beloved British children's author known for The Story of Tracy Beaker and dozens of other books that honestly portray childhood challenges

J

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Other

1929

First Lady of the United States, celebrated for her elegance, cultural initiatives in the White House, and grace followi...

First Lady of the United States, celebrated for her elegance, cultural initiatives in the White House, and grace following President Kennedy's assassination

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
3
Popularity Rank
#589
Total SSA Count
510
Cultural Origins
French English American Belgian
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease
High

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Jackie Jack Jacqui Jax

Pairs Well With

Jacqueline Marie Jacqueline Rose Jacqueline Ann Jacqueline Louise Jacqueline Elise Jacqueline Claire

Sibling Names

Also a Boy Name

Jacqueline is also used as a boy name, ranked #38829.

View Jacqueline as a boy name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Jacqueline

What does the name Jacqueline mean?
"supplanter, one who grasps the heel" (from Hebrew (via French Jacques)). "may God protect" (from Hebrew Ya'aqov alternative interpretation). Jacqueline is the French feminine form of Jacques, which is the French equivalent of James and Jacob — both derived from the Hebrew Ya'aqov, meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows at the heel.' The name entered the English-speaking world with Norman French influence after 1066 and was elevated to iconic status by Jacqueline Kennedy, who made it synonymous with grace and style in the 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Jacqueline?
Jacqueline has Hebrew (via French Jacques), Hebrew Ya'aqov alternative interpretation, French, English, American, and Belgian origins. In Hebrew (via French Jacques), it means "supplanter, one who grasps the heel". In Hebrew Ya'aqov alternative interpretation, it means "may God protect".
Is Jacqueline a boy or girl name?
Jacqueline is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #589. As a boy name, it is ranked #38829. Jacqueline is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Jacqueline?
Jacqueline is pronounced j-AKW-uhl-ihn.
How popular is the name Jacqueline?
Jacqueline is currently ranked #589 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Jacqueline?
Common nicknames for Jacqueline include Jackie, Jack, Jacqui, and Jax.
What are good middle names for Jacqueline?
Popular middle name pairings include Jacqueline Marie, Jacqueline Rose, Jacqueline Ann, Jacqueline Louise, Jacqueline Elise, and Jacqueline Claire.
What are good sibling names for Jacqueline?
Names that pair well with Jacqueline as siblings include Caroline, Josephine, Charlotte, Robert, Edward, and Theodore.
How many syllables does Jacqueline have?
Jacqueline has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Jacqueline a common or rare name?
Jacqueline is moderately common, ranked #589 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Jacqueline

Jacqueline is a girl name with French, English, American, and Belgian origins . The name means "supplanter, one who grasps the heel" in Hebrew (via French Jacques) .

Is Jacqueline a boy or girl name? Jacqueline is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #589 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #38,829. Jacqueline is more commonly used as a girl name.

Jacqueline is currently ranked #589 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Jacqueline has 3 syllables and is pronounced j-AKW-uhl-ihn, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Jacqueline include Jackie, Jack, Jacqui, and Jax. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Jacqueline include Jacqueli, Jacquelyn, Jacquely . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

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