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Synonyms

Jane Doe

American  
[doh] / doʊ /

noun

  1. a fictitious name used in legal proceedings for a female party whose true name is not known.


Etymology

Origin of Jane Doe

First recorded in 1935–40; feminine of John Doe

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The lawsuit, brought on behalf of a "Jane Doe", cites a record of "incredibly alarming and erratic banking behavior" in her own Bank of America accounts, which were used by Epstein's team.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Now let’s meet a hypothetical couple, John and Jane Doe; they’re both 30 and want to buy a house.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 27, 2026

During a high-profile trial this spring, the jury heard from two of Combs' ex-girlfriends, Cassie Ventura and a woman who testified as "Jane Doe".

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

In Akron, the FBI tested some of my Hawkins cousins and found a connection to our Jane Doe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

During 1948 the novelty of UFO's had worn off for the press and every John and Jane Doe who saw one didn't make the front pages as in 1947.

From The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects by Ruppelt, Edward J.