Question: ```
$("selector").data("name", null);
console.log($("selector").data("name"));

```

This prints `undefined`.

Is there anyway to instantiate a `null` item in the jQuery data object of an element, not an undefined one?

Answer: 
Yes and Your code works fine, You should check if your `$("selector")` exists
It looks like your method should work, tho the element you are selecting must exists.

Look at [this fiddle](https://jsfiddle.net/hsukrk9b/) to see it in action.

```
// Before
alert($('#elem').data('foo'));

$('#elem').data('foo', null);

// After
alert($('#elem').data('foo'));

```