Janie is a diminutive form of the name Jane, which is of English origin. The name Jane itself means "graced by God" and was popularized in medieval times through the character Lady Jane Grey, who briefly ruled England as its queen in the mid-16th century.
The name Janie began to gain popularity in the late 19th century, thanks in large part to the character of Janie Crawford in Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," published in 1937. In the story, Janie grows from a young girl into a confident woman who ultimately finds her own voice and independence.
While not as commonly used today as it was during the mid-20th century, Janie remains a unique and distinctive name that carries with it a rich history and cultural significance. It is often associated with strength, intelligence, and individuality, due in large part to its association with the character of Janie Crawford.
In terms of its popularity over time, Janie peaked in usage during the 1950s and 1960s, when it ranked among the top 1000 names for girls born in the United States. Today, however, it is used less frequently, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a name that is both classic and unique.
Overall, Janie is a name with deep historical roots and cultural significance, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a meaningful and distinctive name for their daughter.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Janie in the United States from 1880 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a significant fluctuation in the popularity of the name.
In the late 19th century, the number of babies named Janie was relatively low, with fewer than 250 births per year between 1880 and 1899. However, the early 20th century saw a steady increase in the popularity of the name, reaching a peak of over 700 births per year by 1924.
The mid-20th century was a period of significant growth for Janie as a baby name, with the number of births reaching a high of over 1700 in 1946. This popularity continued into the early 1950s, but began to decline thereafter.
By the late 1950s and early 1960s, the number of babies named Janie had dropped significantly, with fewer than 1000 births per year between 1957 and 1963. This trend continued into the 1970s, with the lowest point being just 201 births in 2008.
However, the popularity of the name Janie has shown signs of resurgence in recent years, with over 100 births per year recorded between 2014 and 2023. This suggests that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, it continues to be chosen for babies born in the United States.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the changing trends in baby naming over time, with Janie experiencing periods of both popularity and obscurity throughout the years.