Origin and meaning of the name Jeanne-darc

Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc) was a historical figure who lived in France during the Hundred Years' War between England and France. She was born around 1412 in Domrémy, France. The name "Jeanne" is a French form of the Hebrew name "Yehonatan," meaning "given by Yahweh." The surname "d'Arc" comes from the name of the region where her family lived, the Duchy of Bar, which was located in Lorraine, France. The surname is derived from the French word for "arc," which refers to a bend or arch in a river, and was likely used as a geographical indicator to differentiate between different families with the same name. Jeanne d'Arc is best known for leading the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years' War and being canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church after her death.

Learn more about the origin of the name Jeanne-darc

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Jeanne-darc

Jeanne d'Arc, also known as Joan of Arc, is a historically significant French figure recognized for her role during the Hundred Years' War between France and England. Born in eastern France around 1412, she was named Jehanne (Jeanne is the feminine form) due to the customary use of masculine forms for girls at the time. 'D'Arc' is a surname that originated from the town of Domrémy-la-Pucelle where Jeanne was born, meaning "of Arc." By the age of 18, she led the French army to several important victories, including the Siege of Orléans, which significantly turned the tide of the war in France's favor. In 1431, however, she was captured by the Burgundians and later sold to the English, who put her on trial for heresy. Despite her young age, Jeanne d'Arc's courage, leadership, and religious devotion have made her an iconic figure in French history and a symbol of resistance against oppression.

Character traits associated with the name Jeanne-darc

Jeanne d'Arc, also known as Joan of Arc, was renowned for her bravery, leadership, and strong religious convictions. Born in 1412, she emerged as a national heroine in France during the Hundred Years' War against England. At a young age, Jeanne claimed to have divine visions that inspired her to lead the French army to victory, defying traditional gender roles of the time. Her courage was exemplified in battles such as Orléans and Patay, where she successfully lifted the siege of Orléans and re-established Charles VII's claim to the throne. Despite being captured by the English and later executed for heresy by the Catholic Church in 1431, Jeanne d'Arc continues to be celebrated as a symbol of French nationalism and a patron saint of France. Her enduring legacy remains one of an unwavering spirit, strong faith, and remarkable leadership against all odds.

Popularity of the name Jeanne-darc

Jeanne d'Arc, also known as Joan of Arc, is a historically significant figure whose given name has remained popular in certain contexts and regions. Originally born in France during the mid-15th century, Jeanne d'Arc gained fame for her role in leading the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years' War. Her martyrdom at a young age and subsequent sainthood have further cemented her legacy as a symbol of courage and defiance. While the name Jeanne is not commonly used in modern English-speaking countries, it remains popular in France and some French-speaking regions, where it often ranks among the top 100 baby names for girls. Additionally, the name has been adopted by individuals in other countries as a tribute to Jeanne d'Arc's legacy.

Famous people with the name Jeanne-darc

Jeanne d'Arc, also known as Joan of Arc, is the most renowned individual bearing the given name Jeanne. Born around 1412 in Domrémy, France, she gained fame for her significant role in the Hundred Years' War and the Lancastrian phase of the Wars of the Roses. At the age of 17, Jeanne d'Arc claimed divine guidance and led the French army to several important victories, including Orléans, which turned the tide of war in France's favor. In 1429, she was captured by the Burgundians and later handed over to the English who put her on trial for heresy. Despite evidence of her military prowess and claims that she communicated with angels, Jeanne d'Arc was found guilty and executed in Rouen in 1431 at the age of 19. She was canonized as a Roman Catholic saint in 1920 and has since been revered as a national heroine of France and a symbol of courage and faith.

Variations of the name Jeanne-darc

Jeanne d'Arc, also known as Joan of Arc, is a historic figure primarily recognized by her birth name, Jeanne. However, her name has been translated and adapted into various forms across different languages and cultures. In French, she is commonly referred to as Jeanne la Pucelle or simply La Pucelle, which means "The Maid." In English, she is known as Joan of Arc. The Italian translation is Giovanna d'Arco, German Johanna von Orléans, Spanish Juana de Arco, Dutch Johan van Arc, and Polish Jan de Ark, among others. These variations reflect the international recognition and influence of Jeanne d'Arc throughout history.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "jeanne-darc"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends