From Jasmine to Johanna to Justine, here are some unusual and popular baby girl names that start with the letter J.

In decades past, J was one of the most popular first letters in American names for girls. During the early twentieth century and the Baby Boom, Janes and Joans and Janets filled every classroom. During the seventies and eighties, the Jennifers and Jessicas took over, along with a healthy handful of Julies, Jodys, and Jamies.

Today, J isn't in vogue as much as it used to be, and C and K seem to have taken its place. Nonetheless, J remains a popular choice for baby girl's names. If you're looking for a beautiful name that begins with J, here are some trendy, classic, and unusual choices.

Popular & Trendy Baby Girl Names That Start With J

• Jasmine. According to the Social Security Baby Name Index, Jasmine is currently the most popular girl's name that begins with a J - at #29 in 2006. This flower name has international appeal, as versions of Jasmine are popular in many cultures.
• Jada. Perhaps propelled by actress Jada Pinkett Smith, this name has climbed from obscurity to #93 in 2006. Jayden and Jaden, all the rage with little boys, also have become popular for girls. A more classic choice that's also popular is Jade.
• Jayla. Kayla was the trend back in the eighties, but now it's Jayla, which rose to #99 in 2006 and is climbing quickly. Jayla is an especially popular choice for African American baby girls.
• Jocelyn. Like the equally popular Evelyn, Jocelyn doesn't seem like it would be popular right now, but it is-- at #73 in 2006. Jocelyn originates from a Germanic tribal name. Joss is a less common variation.
• Jordan/Jordyn. One of the oldest place names (from the Biblical river), Jordan is rivalling Taylor for the position of most popular androgynous name. The feminized Jordyn is climbing as well.
• Julia. It's simple: Julie's out and Julia's in. Juliana is also in, spelled with either one or two N's. These names come from a Latin expression meaning "Jove's descendant."
• Jennifer & Jenna. Despite its massive usage in the 1970s, Jennifer is still around-- at #51 in 2006. Jenna, a somewhat fresher spin on the seventies superstar, was at #88. These names come from a Welsh name that means "pure and yielding." Don't forget the variations Jenny and Jennie, which have an old-fashioned feel.
• Jessica. Like Jennifer, Jessica's past its popularity peak, but it's still a very popular choice at #32. Jessica comes from a Hebrew name that means "he beholds." Jessie is a pleasant variation.

Classic Baby Girl Names that Start With J

• Jane, Janet, & Janice. These early-to-mid twentieth century favorites have fallen from the top of the charts, but have a classic appeal. They derive from a Hebrew name that means "God's grace."
• Jean & Jeanette. These names are closely related to Jane in meaning and are also fallen stars from earlier in the twentieth century.
• Joan & Joanna. Also derived from a Hebrew name meaning "God's grace," the Joan variety of this name isn't used much either these days. Joanna has a more modern flair, as does Johanna, and these names can be used an alternative to the ever-popular Hannah.
• Jacqueline & Jackie. Thanks to the former First Lady, Jacqueline has an eternally elegant feel. These names derives from a French name that means "one who grasps by the heel." The popular seventies name Jamie has the same meaning.
• Judith & Judy. Like Deborah, this Baby Boomer Biblical name has fallen from favor, but is always a reliable and classic choice. Judith comes from the Hebrew name meaning "Jewish woman."
• Joy. One of the most simple and timeless names, Joy has faded away in a sea of Graces and Faiths. Parents looking for a less popular "virtue" name might look to Joy.
• Jill. This simple and pleasant name is no longer on the top 1000 list. parents looking for a simple and old-fashioned name that's also unique might have their choice right here. Like Julie and its variations, Jill comes from a Latin expression meaning "Jove's descendants."

Unusual Baby Girl Names That Start With J

• Justine. The female form of Justin was somewhat more popular in the eighties, but has fallen low on the charts. Justine comes from a Latin phrase meaning "fair-minded" (as in justice).
• Josie. This short version of Josephine is both cute and a little bit chic. It comes from a Hebrew phrase meaning "the Lord's addition" (as does Joseph).
• Jewel. Parents may shy from Jewel because it's one of those names that's associated with one person (the pop star with this name). Nonetheless, this pretty name may be a good alternative to the more common Julia.
• June. The June Cleaver association may have just about killed this name. However, June is a lovely month, and this name is actually quite pretty, so maybe this name will make a comeback.

See also:

Baby Girl Names That Start With C

Baby Girl Names That Start With G

Baby Girl Names That Start With L