All about the name

Janet

Male

« Janet is an English name derived from Jane, itself originating from Johannes meaning "God is gracious". »

#3792 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Janet is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is a diminutive form of the name Jane, which itself comes from the Latin name Johannes, meaning "God is gracious." Therefore, Janet means "God is gracious" or "graced by God." The name Janet first appeared in the late Middle Ages and was originally given to both boys and girls. However, over time it became more associated with females. In some cases, Janet may also be a short form of other female names such as Janeth or Janette. In literature, one notable figure named Janet is Janet Gresham Brydon, who was the first woman to be appointed as Professor of Biblical Criticism at the University of Oxford in 1938. This demonstrates that individuals with this name have made significant contributions throughout history. Overall, Janet is a classic and elegant name with a long history and a meaningful origin. It has been used by families around the world for generations and continues to be popular today.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Janet since 1880

Total births
1,515
Total since 1880
Peak year
1943
46 births
in 1995
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years