Derived from the French feminine form of Jacques (Jacob), Jacqueline carries the dual meanings of “supplanter” and “may God protect.” It is a name of action and resilience, historically tied to royalty and strength.
Verdict: Jacqueline is the perfect choice for a baby born in 2025 if you want a name that is universally increasing in rarity but remains instantly recognizable. It is distinct from the sea of modern “Elle” and “Bella” names, offering a polished, aristocratic edge that will age beautifully from the playground to the boardroom.
Jacqueline Overview
- Meaning: Jacqueline means “supplanter.”
- Gender: Jacqueline is a girl’s name.
- Origin: Jacqueline is the French variation of the Hebrew male name Jacob.
- Pronunciation: Jacqueline is pronounced “JHAEK-ah-Lihn” (English) and “Zhaek-LIYN” (French)
- Popularity: Jacqueline recently ranked 441st among U.S. girls. It has consistently appeared in the top 500 names for girls in the U.S. and the top 100 in France.
- Nicknames: Jac, Jack, Jackie, Jacklyn, Jacky, Jacq, Jacqi, Jacqui, Jacqy, Jae, Jaks, Jaque, Jay, Jazzy.
- Variations: Jacalin, Jacalynn, Jacelyn, Jacilyn, Jacilynn, Jackalinne, Jackalyn, Jackeline, Jackelyn, Jackielyn, Jacklyn, Jackolyn, Jackqueline, Jaclyn, Jacolyn, Jacqualine, Jacqueline, Jacquelyn, Jacquline, Jaquelyn.
- Namesakes: Jacqueline Joyner-Kersee, American track and field athlete and gold medalist in the 1988 Summer Olympics. Jacqueline Susann, American writer known for the novel “Valley of the Dolls” (1966).
What Does Jacqueline Mean?
Jacqueline is a name with layers of history. While the dictionary definition is often cited as “supplanter,” this meaning requires some nuance. It stems from the Hebrew name Yaakov (Jacob). In the biblical narrative, Jacob was born holding the heel of his twin brother Esau, leading to the literal translation “to follow, to be behind,” or “to seize by the heel.”
Figuratively, this evolved into “supplanter” because Jacob later bought his brother’s birthright. However, many etymologists also trace the root to “May God Protect,” giving the name a much softer, spiritual protective quality that many parents prefer. It implies a person who is guarded, resilient, and capable of overcoming obstacles.
Where Does the Name Jacqueline Come From?
Jacqueline is the French feminine diminutive of Jacques, which is the French cognate of James and Jacob. The name’s journey into the English-speaking world is fascinatingly regal. It was introduced to England in the 13th century, largely popularized by Jacqueline of Hainault, a Countess who was a sister-in-law to Henry V.
While it existed in aristocracy for centuries, it didn’t become a household name in America until the 20th century. It exploded in popularity post-WWII as American parents looked for names that felt cosmopolitan and European yet traditional.
How Popular is the Name Jacqueline?
Jacqueline is currently a “familiar classic” rather than a trendy chart-topper. Its trajectory in the United States is a perfect bell curve. It began rising in the 1920s, entered the Top 50, and reached its absolute zenith in 1961 at rank #37. This peak was driven almost entirely by the cultural phenomenon of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
In the decades since the Kennedy era, the name has slowly cooled. In 2025, it is no longer a top-tier hit, having settled into the Top 500. This is actually good news for modern parents; it means the name is universally known and easy to spell, but your daughter is unlikely to share the name with three other girls in her kindergarten class.
How Do I Pronounce Jacqueline?
Because of its cross-cultural history, there are two distinct ways to handle the pronunciation:
- English: “JHAEK-ah-Lihn” or sometimes “JHAEK-qwah-lin.” The emphasis is usually on the first syllable.
- French: “Zhaek-LIYN.” The “J” is soft (like the ‘s’ in measure), and the emphasis shifts to the final syllable.
Is Jacqueline a Boy or Girl Name?
Jacqueline is strictly a girl’s name. It was created specifically as the female counterpart to the male Jacques (or Jack). While the nickname “Jack” is unisex, the full name Jacqueline is traditionally feminine.
Variations of Jacqueline
Because the name traveled from Hebrew to French to English, it has spawned dozens of spelling variations.
- Jacquelyn: The most common American phonetic spelling.
- Jackeline: A spelling often found in Spanish-speaking communities.
- Jaclyn: A streamlined, modern version popularized in the 70s and 80s.
- Zhaklina: A Slavic variation reflecting the soft “J” sound.
- Jaquelyn: A simplified French-inspired spelling.
- Jacklyn: A phonetically direct American spelling.
Nicknames for Jacqueline
Jacqueline is a long, three-syllable name, making it a goldmine for nicknames.
- Jackie: The timeless standard.
- Jax / Jaks: A spunky, modern option.
- Quinn: A creative option derived from the “que” sound.
- Lina: Pulling from the suffix, this feels very European.
- Jae: Short, sweet, and unisex.
- Jac: Minimalist and chic.
- Jack: A boyish nickname on a girlish name is very trendy right now.
Names Similar to Jacqueline
If you love the vibe of Jacqueline but want to explore alternatives, consider these names that share its French roots or mid-century dignity.
- Genevieve: Like Jacqueline, it is French, three syllables, and offers great nicknames (Evie, Viv).
- Josephine: Shares the “ine” ending and the Napoleonic French history.
- Madeline: A slightly sweeter, more youthful French option.
- Caroline: A polished classic that never feels dated.
- Evangeline: Offers the same length and elegance but with a more romantic, literary feel.
- Vivienne: Captures that specific sophisticated Parisian flair.
- Gwendolyn: Similar rhythm and ending, but with Welsh roots.
- Veronica: Shares the strong consonant sounds and mid-century popularity.
Middle Names for Jacqueline
Because Jacqueline is a long, anchor of a name, it pairs best with middle names that don’t compete for attention.
Short & Sweet
These monosyllabic names provide a rhythmic balance to the three syllables of Jacqueline.
Vintage Elegance
Lean into the “First Lady” vibe with these timeless pairings.
- Jacqueline Marie
- Jacqueline Renee
- Jacqueline Louise
- Jacqueline Pearl
- Jacqueline Claire
- Jacqueline Hope
Modern & Nature Inspired
Soften the formality of Jacqueline with a middle name from the natural world.
Sibling Names for Jacqueline
Creating a sibset for Jacqueline means finding names that are equally substantial. You generally want to avoid very short, modern invented names.
For a Brother
- Alexander: A strong, Greek classic that matches Jacqueline in length and stature.
- Theodore: Offers great nicknames (Teddy, Theo) to match Jackie.
- Nicholas: A timeless classic that pairs perfectly.
- William: Regal and historic.
- Julian: Shares the soft “J” and French crossover appeal.
For a Sister
- Charlotte: Another French feminine classic that is currently very stylish.
- Elizabeth: The ultimate queen of classic names; a perfect match for Jacqueline.
- Victoria: Shares the royal, multi-syllabic strength.
- Gabrielle: The French feminine form of Gabriel, mirroring Jacqueline’s origin.
- Catherine: Sophisticated, historic, and offers great nickname potential.
Famous People Named Jacqueline
This name has been borne by women of immense talent and influence.
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: The most iconic bearer of the name, she was the First Lady of the United States and a worldwide fashion icon known for her intelligence and grace.
- Jacqueline Bisset: An acclaimed English actress who rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s, known for her roles in films like Bullitt.
- Jacqueline du Pré: A legendary English cellist whose talent was renowned worldwide before her tragic early death.
- Jacqueline Joyner-Kersee: Ranked among the greatest athletes in the heptathlon as well as the long jump, she is an American Olympian.
- Jacqueline Wilson: A beloved English novelist known for her popular children’s literature.
Jacqueline in Pop Culture
- Jacqueline White: The wealthy, slightly out-of-touch but lovable socialite in the hit series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
- Jacqueline Carlyle: The powerful editor-in-chief character in the series The Bold Type.
- Jacqueline de Bellefort: A central character in Agatha Christie’s famous mystery Death on the Nile.
- Jackie Burkhart: The character played by Mila Kunis in That ’70s Show, whose full name is Jacqueline.
FAQs About the Name Jacqueline
Here are answers to the most common questions parents ask when considering this name.
Is Jack a Nickname for Jacqueline?
Yes, using Jack as a nickname for Jacqueline is becoming a chic, modern choice. While the most popular nicknames historically were Jackie or Jacqui, parents today often prefer unisex or “boyish” nicknames for girls. It is worth noting that President JFK (Jack) and First Lady Jacqueline (Jackie) famously reversed these expectations!
What Is the Biblical Meaning of Jacqueline?
Jacqueline does not appear directly in the Bible, but it is derived from the Biblical patriarch Jacob. In Genesis, Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebekah. His name is associated with the phrase “he grasps the heel.” Later in the Bible, God renames Jacob “Israel,” making Jacqueline indirectly connected to the meaning “he who struggles with God.”
Is Jacqueline a Classy Name?
Jacqueline is widely considered one of the classiest names in the American lexicon. It avoids the cutesy vibe of many modern names, offering dignity and weight. Its strong association with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis cemented its status as a symbol of high fashion, art, and White House elegance.
Is the Name Jacqueline Outdated?
While Jacqueline had its peak in the 1960s, it is not considered “dated” in the same way names like Linda or Karen might be. Instead, it falls into the category of “modern vintage.” It is currently underused, making it a unique choice, but it remains a timeless classic that fits well with the current revival of names like Josephine and Vivian.
What Are the Most Common Spelling Mistakes for Jacqueline?
The most common error is replacing the “que” with a “k” or “ck” (Jacklyn or Jaklyn). Additionally, people often forget the second “e” in the middle of the name. If you want the traditional, elegant spelling, stick to the French “Jacqueline.” If you prefer a phonetic American version, “Jacquelyn” is the standard alternative.
Can I Use the Nickname Quinn for Jacqueline?
Absolutely. Quinn is an inventive and creative nickname for Jacqueline. It is derived from the last syllable (the “line” or “lyn” sound often has a “quin” phonetic quality depending on accent). This is a great way to give a girl a formal, fancy name on her birth certificate while calling her something punchy and modern day-to-day.
Does Jacqueline Have a Spiritual Meaning?
Beyond the biblical connection to Jacob, many etymologists interpret the root name to mean “May God Protect.” For religious parents, this offers a beautiful layer of meaning, viewing the name as a prayer for their daughter’s safety and guidance throughout her life.
How Do You Spell Jacqueline in Spanish?
In Spanish-speaking countries, the name is often spelled “Jaqueline” (dropping the ‘c’) or “Jackeline.” The pronunciation changes slightly to “ha-keh-LEE-neh.” However, the traditional French spelling is also widely recognized and used throughout Latin America and Spain.
