Find out how popular the first name Jenay has been for the last 44 years (from 1975 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jenay by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Jenay is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Jenay being female.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Jenay.

The history of the first name Jenay

The name Jenay has its roots in the French language and culture, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to be a variant of the name Jeanne, which is the French form of the Hebrew name Johanna, meaning "God is gracious." This name was particularly popular in France during the medieval period, and its variants emerged as a result of regional dialects and phonetic variations.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jenay can be found in the chronicles of the Benedictine monastery of Saint-Bénigne in Dijon, France. In the 14th century, a nun named Jenay de Villiers was mentioned as a member of the convent's community. This historical reference suggests that the name was in use in the region of Burgundy during that time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jenay. One of the earliest was Jenay de Montfort (1295-1345), a French noblewoman who played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War between England and France. She was renowned for her bravery and leadership during the siege of her family's castle in Normandy.

Another prominent figure was Jenay de Laval (1412-1475), a French courtier and diplomat who served under King Charles VII. She was highly regarded for her intelligence and negotiation skills, and played a crucial role in establishing peaceful relations between France and neighboring kingdoms.

In the realm of literature, Jenay de Navarre (1530-1587) was a noted poet and writer during the Renaissance period. Her works, which celebrated love and nature, were widely acclaimed and influenced many of her contemporaries.

During the Age of Enlightenment, Jenay Leclerc (1679-1751) was a renowned French scientist and mathematician. She made significant contributions to the field of calculus and was one of the first women to be admitted to the French Academy of Sciences.

In more recent times, Jenay Duval (1891-1975) was a French actress and singer who gained popularity in the early 20th century. She starred in numerous stage productions and films, and her powerful vocals and captivating performances earned her critical acclaim.

These are just a few examples of the numerous individuals throughout history who have borne the name Jenay, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Jenay was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Jenay, please contact us.

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