The name Jeanne is a French feminine form of the Hebrew name John, derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." It has its roots in ancient Judaic tradition, tracing back to the biblical figure John the Baptist, a prominent figure in Christianity as the forerunner of Jesus Christ.

The name gained widespread popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in France, where it was borne by several notable historical figures. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Joan of Arc (1412-1431), the iconic French heroine and Catholic saint who played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War against the English.

Another prominent Jeanne in history was Jeanne d'Albret (1528-1572), Queen of Navarre, who played a significant role in the French Wars of Religion and was an influential figure in the Huguenot movement. Jeanne de Valois (1556-1644), the daughter of King Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici, also bore this name.

In the realm of literature, the name Jeanne is associated with several influential writers and poets. Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont (1711-1780) was a French novelist and author of the beloved fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast." Jeanne Duval (1820-1862) was a French Haitian woman who was the muse and lover of the renowned poet Charles Baudelaire.

The name has also been borne by notable artists, such as Jeanne Hébuterne (1898-1920), a French painter and the common-law wife of the artist Amedeo Modigliani. Jeanne Lanvin (1867-1946) was a influential French fashion designer and the founder of the Lanvin fashion house.

Throughout its history, the name Jeanne has maintained a strong connection to its French roots, while also being embraced in various cultures around the world as a testament to its enduring appeal and timeless elegance.