Jane Doe

[ doh ]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jane Doe¹

First recorded in 1935–40; feminine of John Doe

Example Sentences

The woman, identified only as Jane Doe in police reports, told the nurse she wasn’t sure she wanted to involve authorities and didn’t want to disclose the person’s name at that point.

From Los Angeles Times

Jane Doe’s attorney, however, stated, “I stand by her then and now.”

From Salon

The lawsuit alleged that the Chinatown director took the plaintiff invited Jane Doe to dinner knowing she was a minor.

From Salon

Gloria Allred, who represented the plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe in the case, also confirmed that “a settlement of claims was agreed to by the parties.”

From Los Angeles Times

According to court documents that the filmmakers obtained when Kelly’s divorce papers were unsealed in 2019, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services investigated Kelly for allegedly molesting a preteen Jane Doe in 2009.

From Los Angeles Times