Janet is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the Latin word "Johannes," which means "God is gracious." It is a diminutive form of the name Jane, which itself is a derivative of John. Janet has been in use as an independent name since the Middle Ages but gained popularity during the Victorian era.
The name Janet has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One such figure is Janet Taylor (1759-1846), a British astronomer and mathematician who published works on subjects like navigation and geography. Another notable Janet is Janet Frame (1924-2004), a New Zealand author known for her autobiographical novels and short stories.
In literature, Janet appears as a character in Sir Walter Scott's novel "The Heart of Midlothian," while in Scottish folklore, she is featured in the ballad "Fair Janet" as the young woman who encounters the Fairy King. These literary appearances have contributed to the name's cultural significance and appeal.
Today, Janet remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet distinctive name for their daughters. It has consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular girl names in the United States since the mid-20th century. Despite its traditional origins, the name Janet continues to be relevant and appealing due to its historical significance and the achievements of notable individuals who have borne this name.
Statistics on the Name Janet in the United States:
The name Janet has seen a wide range of popularity over the years in the United States. From 1880 to 1920, the number of births with the name Janet was consistently increasing, reaching a peak of 2,545 births in 1927.
However, after this peak, there was a significant decrease in the popularity of the name Janet. Between 1928 and 1963, the number of births with the name Janet fluctuated between around 1,000 to over 2,000 births per year.
From the late 1960s onwards, there was a steady decline in the popularity of the name Janet. By the early 1970s, the number of births with the name had fallen below 3,000 for the first time since the early 20th century. This downward trend continued throughout the remainder of the century, with fewer than 500 births each year from the mid-1980s onwards.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Janet has remained relatively stable, with around 100 births per year. Despite its decline in popularity as a given name, Janet continues to be used as a middle name and remains a popular choice for older generations.
Overall, while the name Janet was once quite popular in the United States, it has since fallen out of favor among parents choosing names for their newborn daughters. However, it is still possible to find individuals named Janet across different age groups, demonstrating that this name has stood the test of time in some respects.