Jean is a unisex given name of French origin, derived from the feminine form 'Jeanne' of John. It has been widely used throughout Europe and beyond for centuries, making it globally recognized. In France, Jean has traditionally been popular among boys, ranking often in the top ten annually due to its historical significance, with notable bearers including Joan of Arc. Internationally, Jean is known through figures like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Jean Reno. In English-speaking countries like the U.S. and UK, Jean is more commonly used for girls, ranking among the top 1000 female names recently. The name has also inspired literary characters such as Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables," further solidifying its place in popular culture.