The word “Jain” comes from the word “Jina”.

• Jina (Sanskrit / Prakrit: जिन् / णिण) means “conqueror” – one who has conquered inner enemies like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, and has attained keval-jnan (perfect knowledge).
• A follower of the Jina is called a Jain – that is, a person who walks on the path shown by the Jinas (Tirthankars).

So, “Jain” basically means “disciple/follower of the Jina – the inner conqueror”, not a caste or race, but someone trying to follow the path of non‑violence, truth, and self‑control taught by the Jinas.