Janson is a unique and distinctive given name of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Jónas, which was a popular name among the Vikings. The name Jónas is believed to have been introduced into Norway by Irish missionaries in the early Middle Ages.
The name Janson is composed of two elements: "Jón," which means "dove" in Icelandic, and "-son," a suffix that denotes "son of." Therefore, the meaning of Janson can be interpreted as "son of the dove." The dove is a symbol of peace and purity in many cultures, including Norse mythology.
Throughout history, the name Janson has been popular among the Swedish nobility. It was borne by several prominent figures, such as Janson Gyllenstierna, a 16th-century Swedish nobleman who served as Governor-General of Finland. Another notable bearer of the name was Janson Schantz, an 18th-century Swedish officer and politician.
Today, Janson remains a rare and uncommon given name, but it continues to be used in Scandinavian countries and beyond. Its unique origin and symbolism make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child. Overall, the name Janson has a rich history and offers a fascinating insight into Scandinavian culture and mythology.
The name Janson has a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past six decades. Between 1958 and 2023, there were a total of 1,132 babies named Janson born in the U.S., with the number of births varying significantly year to year.
The name's peak popularity occurred in 2016, when 35 babies were named Janson. This was a significant increase from the previous year, where only 17 births were recorded. However, this trend did not continue into subsequent years, as there were 26 births each in 2017 and 2018.
The decade of the 1970s saw a steady rise in the popularity of the name Janson. Starting with just five births in 1958, the number of annual Janson births more than quadrupled to reach its peak in 1976, with 20 births recorded that year.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of the name remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 14 and 32 births per year. However, beginning in the early 2000s, there was a notable decline in the number of babies named Janson.
Between 2000 and 2015, the annual number of Janson births ranged from a low of 12 in 2014 to a high of 27 in 2009. However, this trend reversed once again in recent years, with an increase to 35 births in 2016 and sustained popularity through 2022.
Overall, while the name Janson has experienced periods of significant popularity and decline over the past six decades, its overall total of 1,132 births indicates that it remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents seeking a unique name for their child.