Naming a baby is probably one of the most meaningful moments of childbirth. Sure, holding and breastfeeding them for the first time is up there too, but naming a baby is creating their identity. It's signifying what others will call them for the duration of their lives, and that's a pretty big deal. Family names passed down from generation to generation often make the decision process easier for some. In the Jewish tradition for example, it is custom to use the first letter of a recently deceased loved one to create the newborn's name. Traditions of other cultures and family's dictate certain names, too.
Many parents struggle with finding just the right name for their new addition — and that includes middle names too. Sometimes, one parent loves a particular name, while it can evoke a bad memory for the other parent. Some say that it is during these times a couple realizes the true meaning of 'compromise'. (That, or the true meaning of 'happy wife, happy life'.)
There are many things to consider. Should the name be less complicated, or should it stand out in a crowd, giving the first name the support it deserves? Should it be easy to spell, or should the name have a creative and saucy spelling? The letter J offers a wide selection of names to choose from. Here's a fun and unique collection of 20 different ones. Who knows, maybe one will stand out to both parents!
Jordana
The name Jordana is derived from the Hebrew for 'to flow down, descend'. It was originally used in the Middle Ages for a child who was baptized in the Jordan River, said to be the Holy Water back then.
Jolene
Derived from the male name Joseph, Jolene was the title of a popular song by Dolly Parton that made its way back to the charts recently.
Jaycee
Jaycee is a beautiful name for a girl and means 'healer'.
Jamelia
Jamelia is derived from the Arabic word for 'beautiful'.
Jada
This beautiful Hebrew name for a girl means 'wise'.
Johanna
This gem of a name is a Latin feminine form of Johannes, which means 'God is gracious'.
Josephine
This Hebrew feminine form of Joseph means 'May God give increase'.
Jaxyn
Leave it to the people to find a female version for the popular boy name 'Jackson'.
Jazmyn
This unique spelling of 'Jasmine' is taken from the name of the tropical plant having colorful, fragrant flowers used in perfumes and teas.
Jenae
Based on Jenai meaning 'God has answered'.
Jerusha
This name comes from the Old Testament of Hebrew origin, meaning 'inheritance, legacy.'
Gemma
Taken from the Latin, Gemma is a take on a precious stone and jewel.
Jadyn
Jadyn is a variant of Jade, meaning precious stone, or from the Hebrew 'God has heard'.
Jamilla
Derived from Arabic, meaning 'beautiful' and 'graceful'.
Jaylani
A modern name, Jaylani signifies 'honesty' and 'brilliance'.
Jenica
This Romanian variation of Jane means 'God's precious gift'.
Joie
Derived from the French and translates to 'rejoicing'.
Julisa
Combination of the popular classic names Julie and Lisa.
Juniper
From the Latin, juniperus which means 'evergreen'. Fun fact: during the Renaissance era, Junipers were used symbolically in art to represent chastity.
Jubilee
Jubilee seems like the perfect name for a girl to signify her birth: a celebration.
