The name Jeni is a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Jeniah, derived from the biblical name Jemimah. It has its origins in the Old Testament, where Jemimah is mentioned as one of the three beautiful daughters of Job. The name Jemimah is believed to mean "dove" or "pure" in Hebrew.

In the book of Job, Jemimah is described as being blessed with exceptional beauty and is regarded as a symbol of virtue and purity. This association with purity and innocence has carried over to the diminutive form, Jeni, which has been used as a given name in various cultures.

The earliest recorded use of the name Jeni can be traced back to the Middle Ages in certain European regions. One notable bearer of the name was Jeni of Treviso, an Italian nun and mystic who lived in the 14th century. She is known for her visions and spiritual writings, which were influential in her time.

Another historical figure with the name Jeni was Jeni Le Gon, a French poet and writer who lived in the 16th century. She was renowned for her romantic poetry and is considered one of the earliest female writers to gain recognition in France.

In the 19th century, Jeni Marvin Pattison was an American educator and author who wrote several books on teaching methods and education. She was a pioneer in the field of teacher training and her works were widely influential in the United States.

Jeni Lemond was a notable American painter and illustrator in the early 20th century. She was known for her vibrant landscapes and portraits, and her works were featured in various exhibitions and publications during her lifetime.

More recently, Jeni Britton Bauer is an American entrepreneur and chef, best known for founding the popular ice cream company Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. Her innovative flavors and commitment to using high-quality ingredients have earned her widespread recognition in the culinary world.