The name Jeannine is a French feminine form of the name Jean, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "Graced by God." The name Jeannine gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages, particularly in the 12th and 13th centuries, as a variant of the more common name Jeanne.

The earliest recorded use of the name Jeannine can be traced back to the 13th century, when it was mentioned in French historical records and literary works. One notable early bearer of the name was Jeannine de Valois, a French noblewoman who lived in the 15th century and was a member of the House of Valois, a cadet branch of the French royal family.

In the realm of literature, the name Jeannine has been used by several notable authors throughout history. One famous example is the character Jeannine Prideaux in Thomas Hardy's novel "The Hand of Ethelberta," published in 1876. Another notable literary reference is the character Jeannine Guérin in Georges Simenon's novel "The Watchmaker of Everton," published in 1954.

Among historical figures, one of the most notable individuals named Jeannine was Jeannine Delpech (1929-1998), a French actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and stage productions throughout her career. Another notable Jeannine was Jeannine Deckers (1933-1985), better known as "The Singing Nun," a Belgian nun who recorded the popular song "Dominique" in 1963, which became an international hit.

Other famous individuals named Jeannine include Jeannine Rene-Bazin (1888-1967), a French writer and novelist; Jeannine Lemaire (1920-2018), a Belgian Olympic swimmer who won a gold medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics; and Jeannine Oppewall (born 1936), an American film director and producer known for her work in documentaries and children's programming.

Throughout its history, the name Jeannine has maintained a distinct French flair and has been associated with elegance, grace, and cultural sophistication. While its popularity has waxed and waned over the centuries, it remains a charming and timeless name with a rich heritage.