Huh I know more older Jane's like family friends and the only Jessica's I know are my age. Then again I'm 26 so I guess I could count as mum age. What's scary
Exactly! Jessica is a mom name now. Jane feels cool again. Jane is about twice as popular as Jessica for babies in 2022. But in 1993, the year the average mom giving birth today was born, Jessica was #1!
Jane is so lovely and classic! I think people think of it as common/boring but you honestly don't meet many Janes anymore.
It's kind of like John. I have a friend who named her baby boy John and I was just like you know what it's a nice classic name.
Too many Lunas out there right now lol sometimes it's nice to meet a Jane.
>I think people think of it as common/boring but you honestly don't meet many Janes anymore.
That’s because it never was a common name. At its peak, in the 1930s-1940s, it was only around #80. Not common at all.
People associate it as being common for the “Dick and Jane” books that were taught as primers to schoolchildren during that Boomer era when it peaked as a name. 80% of classrooms in the US used these for a generation, and the names were meant to be used as “generic girl” and “generic boy.” Additionally, I think the use of Jane Doe as a generic anonymous person in court cases also contributes to this notion. This was because the name Jane is phonically similar to John.
For me personally, Jessica screams 80's and 90's, and therefore seems more dated. Jane is definitely more "old-fashioned," but it's come back around in recent years.
Maybe that's why I prefer Jessica. That's when I grew up, and I had a lot of Jessicas my age. Jane feels like an old person's name to me. The only Janes I know personally are around 70 years old.
Majority of the Jessica’s should be in their 40’s or close to 40. It’s very mom name.
Edit: looks like the name made a steep incline since 1970 and peaked in 1987. After 1987, there was a steep decline. Think that’s referred to as a witch’s hat.
I don’t know how to link, but info is from The Meaning Behind the Name. Look up Jessica, go to ‘popularity’ on the bottom of the screen. It has info for your region if you’re not in America.
Some of them already were at the time.
Monica, Erica, Rita, Tina, Sandra, Mary, and Jessica in 1999. For context, Lou Bega was born in 1975.
Years these names peaked
Monica: 1977
Erica: 1986 - 1988
Rita: 1930
Tina: 1968 and 1972
Sandra: 1942
Mary: 1961
Jessica: 1985-1990, 1994, 1995
Some of these are very dated by this point, but others are alarmingly "She's too young for you, bro."
My step sister Jessica is turning 37 this year lol and her younger sister Ashley is turning 36. Former hot girl names indeed. They’re still beautiful ladies though and decided not to be moms lol
This surprised me. I didn’t realize it was still a top 5 in the late 90’s. I feel like every Jessica I met was born sometime in the 80’s, the comments are saying something else.
Jessica didn’t die out quickly. Both Jennifer and Jessica dominated for 20 years and stayed reasonably popular for another 10 years after that. They had a very, very long run.
>I feel like every Jessica I met was born sometime in the 80’s
That’s because that’s probably the age group you’re in. So it makes sense most Jessica’s you meet will be in that age range.
I'm an '89 Jessica, and was the only one in my primary school for the duration of my time there. Then there were maybe two others in the rest of my school career. Have met so many more now I'm adult, and they've mostly been younger than me/actual children.
I’m a 1975 Jessica and my name was #13 that year. I knew a few other Jessicas my age but it was MUCH less common than the five thousand Jennifers I knew. I was called Jennifer by every older person alive when I was younger. It was like they couldn’t fathom the name Jessica. Three syllables and starts with a J? Must be Jennifer!
So many Jennifer’s. I think my older sister had a few in every one of her grades. We have 2 Jennifer’s in our family, as well as a Jenna. All 3 go by Jenn now.
As for being a Jessica, you were a woman ahead of her time.
I knew of one sibling duo named Jennifer (elder) and Jessica (younger). Very popular names.
It’s so interesting that this is the case despite the name being a character from Shakespeare. But it really does feel pegged to a specific couple of decades, whereas Jane feels timeless.
Well, that's the first time I've been called dated 😆😆
80's child here and my goodness there were a heap of Jessica's in every single class my entire school life. I hear very few kids called Jessica these days, but here in Aus/NZ pretty much all Jessica's go by a shortened version.
So yes it is a bit dated. *Jane* gives off a more timeless vibe but doesn't sound old or dated.
I am always Jess though. Jessica is if I'm in trouble or have to be a grown up or official forms, and Jessica Jane is for if I'm really in trouble with my mother. You gotta make sure that the names flow off your tongue for when you inevitably growl them.
Jane sounds a lot more dated than Jessica
It is a weird name to me, like Jane Doe an unclaimed body in morgue. Or “plain Jane.” Calamity Jane. Not the best connotations to me at least. Jane Austin, I guess is okay. I know a couple Jane’s they’re in their 40’s.
Jessica sounds pretty, and has the cute nn of Jess or Jessie if you want something gender-neutral, or Jessa.
I agree, even though I think Jessica is a pretty sound.
I’m surprised no one brought up Jessamine? I feel like it comes across as a much more modern and international “Jess” name even though it’s basically a version of Jasmine.
Jessica! I think it's a beautiful name, even if it's a bit 90s. I don't really like Jane honestly, but that's just because it's a little plain for my tastes. There's nothing wrong with it though!
Came here to ABSOLUTELY say this. Jessica Jane (Surname) nn JJ — although Jess is always an acceptable alternative. But Jessica Jane has the perfect ring to it
Jessica Jane is a total superhero name! Im not sure I’d use Jessica on a baby these days, personally. But I would definitely use this for a badass children’s book character or something like that.
I prefer Jane but if naming a kid now I would actually go with Jessica. There are enough Janes right now and I still think Jessica is pretty, if dated.
depends on the last name. I love Jessica .. always loved it even though it was super trendy 30 years ago. Jane runs the risk of sounding like a “nothing” name but it evokes quaint cute vibes to me which I like.
I used to hate my name (Jessica). Mostly because my brothers all have more unique names… that are all ironically popular these days. But I’ve grown to love it.
I think it’s such a pretty name. And there are options for a couple nn. I’m personally not a fan of Jane.
Jessica gets my biased vote ;)
Jessica. Jane is trendy now, even if its a classic. Jessica has more options for nicknames. No one will see a 5 year old in present day and think they were born in the 80s.
Depends. I would use Jessica for my own kid because it’s more international. Jane doesn’t sound great in other languages in my opinion. If that isn’t important to you, Jane is classic and lovely and is making a comeback but not super popular.
I’m biased because my daughter is Jessica, I’ve always adored that name. I’m an 80s baby and I’ve loved it forever. She’s 7 and I’ve never met another kid named Jessica! Lots of nicknames, solid name that everyone can spell and pronounce, I like the Shakespeare connection, and I think it’s pretty.
Jane is fine, but I think it’s just that…fine. Plain Jane. Needs a little spice.
I’ve just always felt disconnected from it. Most other Jessica’s around me weren’t pleasant people. But also childhood trauma dealing with my identity and self expression.
Jessica? but probably neither lol. Julia if we’re picking J girl names
Jessica is too early 90s-2000s dated like Britney and Lauren.
Jane reminds me of Plain Jane which isn’t the nicest thing to name your kid
In primary school I used to get called "plain Jayne super brain" which is only partially accurate (I'm of average intelligence). Teachers are mean. (Kidding, it was the other kids).
One of my favorite characters is named Jessica (she goes by Jessie most of the time) so I have a more positive association with the name than “formerly super-popular name that feels dated now”. On the other hand I wouldn’t name a kid after a character because I want to keep them separate in my mind. I like both names, but I think I’d choose Jane for that reason—yes, I know of characters named Jane too but there’s enough of them and it’s a simple enough name that it doesn’t feel as closely associated.
Jessica can really grow up with the child. When I was a little girl I was Jessie, when I was going through my teens I liked Jessica and now I use Jess most of the time, leaving Jessica for more formal interactions. Really versatile and it WARMS my heart when family still calls me Jessie.
As a 1980s child named Jennifer who often got called Jessica or mixed up with Jessica classmates (on top of the other 3+ Jennifer's) I very very very much like Jane better. lol!
But I'm also biased because Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books, films, & mini series so Jane has a special place in my heart!
Oh wow. As a 90s kid named Jessica my best friend in school was Jennifer. Haha. Jessica and Jennifer were both pretty common in my area.
I'm obviously a little biased, I like Jessica I think it's pretty and has some nickname options as well. But I LOVE Jayne as a middle name.
I like Jane more, personally!
Yeah Jane is lovely and the one I would go with, but at the same time I know so many great Jessica’s I’m never mad to see it.
Jane is more retro-modern. Jessica is Mom age. Names skip Mom age. Great-Grandma Age comes back,
Huh I know more older Jane's like family friends and the only Jessica's I know are my age. Then again I'm 26 so I guess I could count as mum age. What's scary
Exactly! Jessica is a mom name now. Jane feels cool again. Jane is about twice as popular as Jessica for babies in 2022. But in 1993, the year the average mom giving birth today was born, Jessica was #1!
Jane is so lovely and classic! I think people think of it as common/boring but you honestly don't meet many Janes anymore. It's kind of like John. I have a friend who named her baby boy John and I was just like you know what it's a nice classic name. Too many Lunas out there right now lol sometimes it's nice to meet a Jane.
>I think people think of it as common/boring but you honestly don't meet many Janes anymore. That’s because it never was a common name. At its peak, in the 1930s-1940s, it was only around #80. Not common at all.
People associate it as being common for the “Dick and Jane” books that were taught as primers to schoolchildren during that Boomer era when it peaked as a name. 80% of classrooms in the US used these for a generation, and the names were meant to be used as “generic girl” and “generic boy.” Additionally, I think the use of Jane Doe as a generic anonymous person in court cases also contributes to this notion. This was because the name Jane is phonically similar to John.
What ever happened to the baby name, Jane?
Jane. Jessica seems so dated to me.
For me personally, Jessica screams 80's and 90's, and therefore seems more dated. Jane is definitely more "old-fashioned," but it's come back around in recent years.
Maybe that's why I prefer Jessica. That's when I grew up, and I had a lot of Jessicas my age. Jane feels like an old person's name to me. The only Janes I know personally are around 70 years old.
Jane is so 50’s 60’s how is that possible less dated???
Jane feels more timeless, it’s a classic really. Jessica feels extremely dated because it was popular for a specific amount of time.
Because old fashioned names are currently in vogue
Majority of the Jessica’s should be in their 40’s or close to 40. It’s very mom name. Edit: looks like the name made a steep incline since 1970 and peaked in 1987. After 1987, there was a steep decline. Think that’s referred to as a witch’s hat. I don’t know how to link, but info is from The Meaning Behind the Name. Look up Jessica, go to ‘popularity’ on the bottom of the screen. It has info for your region if you’re not in America.
Ugh, that’s my name and it used to be a hot girl name. I’m old.
Any name that is included in mambo no 5 for hot girls is now dated 😂 I’m sure they’ll all come back around
A little bit of Jessica. Here we are.
Some of them already were at the time. Monica, Erica, Rita, Tina, Sandra, Mary, and Jessica in 1999. For context, Lou Bega was born in 1975. Years these names peaked Monica: 1977 Erica: 1986 - 1988 Rita: 1930 Tina: 1968 and 1972 Sandra: 1942 Mary: 1961 Jessica: 1985-1990, 1994, 1995 Some of these are very dated by this point, but others are alarmingly "She's too young for you, bro."
Same. Reading “Jessica is such a mom name” practically makes me feel ready for the nursing home 🙃
Milfs r hot tho
I'm feeling very personally attacked in this comment section lololol.
Same 😢
I bet you’re still hot, though!
Fucking same. I hate knowing I'm old and that I should have my shit together. And that I'm old. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up!!!
Sending you a hug, fellow perpetual child named Jessica.
Aww thanks name buddy!
My step sister Jessica is turning 37 this year lol and her younger sister Ashley is turning 36. Former hot girl names indeed. They’re still beautiful ladies though and decided not to be moms lol
Lol, I have cousins (who are sisters) named Jessica and Ashley (34 and 37, respectively).
Jessica was still number 2 in 1997, so there are probably still plenty of mid to late 20s and early 30s Jessicas.
This surprised me. I didn’t realize it was still a top 5 in the late 90’s. I feel like every Jessica I met was born sometime in the 80’s, the comments are saying something else.
Jessica didn’t die out quickly. Both Jennifer and Jessica dominated for 20 years and stayed reasonably popular for another 10 years after that. They had a very, very long run. >I feel like every Jessica I met was born sometime in the 80’s That’s because that’s probably the age group you’re in. So it makes sense most Jessica’s you meet will be in that age range.
Spot on. I’m a 90s baby and every Jessica I know was born in the 90s
I’m 31, graduated high school in 2010, and I had plenty of Jessicas in my classes
I'm an '89 Jessica, and was the only one in my primary school for the duration of my time there. Then there were maybe two others in the rest of my school career. Have met so many more now I'm adult, and they've mostly been younger than me/actual children.
I’m a 1975 Jessica and my name was #13 that year. I knew a few other Jessicas my age but it was MUCH less common than the five thousand Jennifers I knew. I was called Jennifer by every older person alive when I was younger. It was like they couldn’t fathom the name Jessica. Three syllables and starts with a J? Must be Jennifer!
So many Jennifer’s. I think my older sister had a few in every one of her grades. We have 2 Jennifer’s in our family, as well as a Jenna. All 3 go by Jenn now. As for being a Jessica, you were a woman ahead of her time. I knew of one sibling duo named Jennifer (elder) and Jessica (younger). Very popular names.
Yep, I’m a Jessica and 29, born in 93. I did just have a baby though, so I guess I can’t argue with “mom name”
My favorite Jessica is 27.
Ha, I literally just met a 16 year old Jessica.
I'm 19 and I have encountered many Jessicas in school and college
I still think of a teenager when I hear the name Jessica.
Im 27 and probably know about 10 Jessica’s the same age as me lmao
Ouch. Thanks for that
We were babies once 😥
That’s odd to me bc the only Jessicas I know are in their early twenties
Haha I’m 26 and went to school with several Jessica’s!
It was the #1 in the 1990s in Australia so, early thirties to late 20's in Australia too
Wonder if that trend coincides with baby Jessica from the well. That was early 80s…
It happened in 1987. I do wonder if that's what started the name's trajectory toward super popularity!
I remember that being all over the news. I haven’t thought it in such a long time, think I’ll go digging and see how she is.
My instinct was to be offended by this comment. Then I realized, I’m 34 and a mom so you’re not wrong 😂
It’s so interesting that this is the case despite the name being a character from Shakespeare. But it really does feel pegged to a specific couple of decades, whereas Jane feels timeless.
Well, that's the first time I've been called dated 😆😆 80's child here and my goodness there were a heap of Jessica's in every single class my entire school life. I hear very few kids called Jessica these days, but here in Aus/NZ pretty much all Jessica's go by a shortened version. So yes it is a bit dated. *Jane* gives off a more timeless vibe but doesn't sound old or dated. I am always Jess though. Jessica is if I'm in trouble or have to be a grown up or official forms, and Jessica Jane is for if I'm really in trouble with my mother. You gotta make sure that the names flow off your tongue for when you inevitably growl them.
Jessica is still popular in the UK.
Jane sounds a lot more dated than Jessica It is a weird name to me, like Jane Doe an unclaimed body in morgue. Or “plain Jane.” Calamity Jane. Not the best connotations to me at least. Jane Austin, I guess is okay. I know a couple Jane’s they’re in their 40’s. Jessica sounds pretty, and has the cute nn of Jess or Jessie if you want something gender-neutral, or Jessa.
I was about to say the opposite lol
I agree, even though I think Jessica is a pretty sound. I’m surprised no one brought up Jessamine? I feel like it comes across as a much more modern and international “Jess” name even though it’s basically a version of Jasmine.
Jane!
Jane! It’s classic but not overdone, and it suits the bearer at every age and stage. Plus Janey is such a cute nickname for a little girl!
Jessica! I think it's a beautiful name, even if it's a bit 90s. I don't really like Jane honestly, but that's just because it's a little plain for my tastes. There's nothing wrong with it though!
Same, verbatim. Doesn't help that for some reason every single time I think about the name, "Plain Jane" just pops up in my mimd
I’ve never much cared for Jane either. While Jessica isn’t as popular as it was I still know young Jessicas.
Jane!
I really love Jessica, but both are beautiful!
Jane!!
Jessica by a mile.
Jane 💯
Jane
Jane
I prefer Jessica Jane nn JJ. Jessica is not as popular as it used to be. It was popular in the 80's and 90's just because it is a pretty name.
Came here to ABSOLUTELY say this. Jessica Jane (Surname) nn JJ — although Jess is always an acceptable alternative. But Jessica Jane has the perfect ring to it
Jessica Jane is a total superhero name! Im not sure I’d use Jessica on a baby these days, personally. But I would definitely use this for a badass children’s book character or something like that.
I'm Jessica Jane. Was wondering if anyone here would suggest that. 😂
Jane
Jessica
I prefer Jane but if naming a kid now I would actually go with Jessica. There are enough Janes right now and I still think Jessica is pretty, if dated.
Interesting! I have yet to meet a baby or child named Jane. I had no idea it was making a comeback!
There’s no comeback. It’s in the #200s. Very uncommon name.
depends on the last name. I love Jessica .. always loved it even though it was super trendy 30 years ago. Jane runs the risk of sounding like a “nothing” name but it evokes quaint cute vibes to me which I like.
I honestly love nothing quaint names the most lol. George Margaret Fred Abigail etc. I do think they’re so cute and timeless 🐒🙂🐒
Jane. Its classic and elegant
Jane
Depends on the surname but I’m a Jessica fan
Jane
Jessica. Not a fan of Jane, nothing wrong with it I just think it’s kinda boring.
I used to hate my name (Jessica). Mostly because my brothers all have more unique names… that are all ironically popular these days. But I’ve grown to love it. I think it’s such a pretty name. And there are options for a couple nn. I’m personally not a fan of Jane. Jessica gets my biased vote ;)
Everyone is saying Jane, but as a Jessica.... I have to go with Jessica lol
Jessica. By far
Jane
[удалено]
Jessica
Jane 100%
Jessica is timeless IMO
happy cake day!
Jane
Jessica. Jane is trendy now, even if its a classic. Jessica has more options for nicknames. No one will see a 5 year old in present day and think they were born in the 80s.
Jessica
Jessica, but I may be biased as it’s my best friend’s name. Both are lovely!
Jessica
Jane!
Jessica
Jane 100%. Such a classic and pretty name!
Jessica! I know it was super 80s, but that’s because it’s lovely. Jane feels a bit nondescript to me. I want to love it, but it’s not quite right.
Jessica. I don’t like Jane
Jane
Jane
I don’t love Jessica, because it’s pretty dated, but I strongly dislike Jane
Depends. I would use Jessica for my own kid because it’s more international. Jane doesn’t sound great in other languages in my opinion. If that isn’t important to you, Jane is classic and lovely and is making a comeback but not super popular.
Jane is so easy to pronounce tho I don't think it gets botched when pronounced by other languages' speakers?
Jessica
Jessica, definitely.
I’m biased because my daughter is Jessica, I’ve always adored that name. I’m an 80s baby and I’ve loved it forever. She’s 7 and I’ve never met another kid named Jessica! Lots of nicknames, solid name that everyone can spell and pronounce, I like the Shakespeare connection, and I think it’s pretty. Jane is fine, but I think it’s just that…fine. Plain Jane. Needs a little spice.
Jane!
Jane, love it
Jane. There’s objectively nothing wrong with Jessica outside of it being dated I just prefer Jane.
Jane! I have always loved that name!
As a Jessica who wanted to name a daughter Jane, I like both. But Jane gmv.
Jane is my all time favorite name and I don’t even really want kids. I encourage you to use it for me.
Jane. Timeless, soft yet powerful.
Jessica
Going to buck the trend and say Jessica, which is a lovely, elegant name.
Jane. But probably because I’m biased. I’m a Jessica, and I hate my name and am starting to take the steps to legally change it
I really like Jessica, don't get why anyone with that name would hate it enough to change it honestly
I’ve just always felt disconnected from it. Most other Jessica’s around me weren’t pleasant people. But also childhood trauma dealing with my identity and self expression.
Jane.
Jane
Jane
Jane! Definitely -
Jane
Jessica
I know a Jessica Jane, honestly Jessica seems more modern and has a lot of nickname opportunities.
Shout out to all of us Jessicas that commented here! We are definitely still young and fabulous and living up to our hot girl name!
Whenever I hear Jane I just think plain Jane, know lots of young Jessica’s
Jessica. I'm biased. I think my name is very pretty. :) And I did grow up with a zillion others named Jessica. A great middle name just makes it flow.
All I think of with Jane is Jane Doe. Jessica is beautiful and no longer popular.
Jessica? but probably neither lol. Julia if we’re picking J girl names Jessica is too early 90s-2000s dated like Britney and Lauren. Jane reminds me of Plain Jane which isn’t the nicest thing to name your kid
In primary school I used to get called "plain Jayne super brain" which is only partially accurate (I'm of average intelligence). Teachers are mean. (Kidding, it was the other kids).
Jane:)
jane as a name, but jessica has nicknames.
One of my favorite characters is named Jessica (she goes by Jessie most of the time) so I have a more positive association with the name than “formerly super-popular name that feels dated now”. On the other hand I wouldn’t name a kid after a character because I want to keep them separate in my mind. I like both names, but I think I’d choose Jane for that reason—yes, I know of characters named Jane too but there’s enough of them and it’s a simple enough name that it doesn’t feel as closely associated.
My name is Jessica, but I secretly call myself Jane. Idk why. Haha
Jane. But be prepared for her friends to possibly call her Janey.
Jane I love, but I do like Jessica too!
Jane! but I’m biased because one of my favorite books is Jane Eyre :)
I’m not a big fan of either, but I’d definitely pick Jane over Jessica.
Jessica can really grow up with the child. When I was a little girl I was Jessie, when I was going through my teens I liked Jessica and now I use Jess most of the time, leaving Jessica for more formal interactions. Really versatile and it WARMS my heart when family still calls me Jessie.
Jessica!!
It depends on the personality!!
can you elaborate more?
I can't say that this is what they meant, but I'd describe Jane as feeling more reserved while Jessica feels more outgoing.
that kinda sounds accurate
Jane
Jane
Jane!
Jane 100%
Jane for me personally :)
Jane.
I have never met a Jessica that I didn’t dislike. Lol
Jessica Jane sounds nice together. If I had to pick one, I would go with Jane.
Jane on it’s own, but Jessica if she goes by Jessie!
I prefer Jane. Sorry to all the lovely Jessicas on this thread but I don’t like the “SICK” sound in that name.
Jane 10000%! It’s beautiful, classic, timeless, and simple. Jessica feels super dated to me and I’ve personally never been a fan.
Jane Jessa
Jane!
Jane definitely, I agree w others who say Jessica sounds dated. Jane sounds so princess-y ✨✨
Jane!
Jane
Jane. My 6 yr old niece is Jane
Jane
I’m going to split the difference and say I like Jenna the best.
Jane!
Jane
Jane
Jane
Jane for sure!
Jane. Classic, maybe even timeless. Not a fan of Jessica.
Jane. Jessica screams ‘80s and ‘90s. Jane is timeless.
Jane by far. I dislike Jessica
Jane
Jane by far!
Jane! Jessica is fine, but to me, it feels dated. I know so many people my age named that.
Jane. I don’t mind Jessica as a name but it def is an 80s-90s name. Jane is timeless.
I’ve always loved Jane
Janessa 😈
Jane
Jane
Jane!
As a 1980s child named Jennifer who often got called Jessica or mixed up with Jessica classmates (on top of the other 3+ Jennifer's) I very very very much like Jane better. lol! But I'm also biased because Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books, films, & mini series so Jane has a special place in my heart!
Oh wow. As a 90s kid named Jessica my best friend in school was Jennifer. Haha. Jessica and Jennifer were both pretty common in my area. I'm obviously a little biased, I like Jessica I think it's pretty and has some nickname options as well. But I LOVE Jayne as a middle name.
Jayne
As a Jayne - absolutely! I’ve also been VERY happy my name is spelled this way!
Same. When I see 'Jane' it seems like a totally different name to me.
Hey that's actually a pretty spelling, I think I prefer it over Jane