Janet, a classic and graceful name, has a rich history and a story to tell. This article delves into the popularity of Janet, exploring its origins, variations, and names that share a similar sound or style. If you’re considering Janet for your little one, or are simply curious about this enduring name, read on to discover more.
The image associated with the name Janet often evokes a sense of warmth and familiarity. But how popular is the name Janet? Let’s explore its historical usage.
Janet Name Popularity
The popularity of the name Janet has fluctuated significantly over the past century. Data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a detailed picture of its rise and fall.
The name Janet experienced a surge in popularity, reaching its peak in the mid-20th century. The data reveals a clear trend:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 225 | 240 | 0.0682% |
| 1930 | 53 | 4,596 | 0.44% |
| 1940 | 19 | 10,100 | 0.9502% |
| 1950 | 18 | 16,194 | 1.0058% |
| 1952 | 19 | 17,927 | 1.027% |
| 1954 | 19 | 18,466 | 1.0102% |
| 1960 | 32 | 14,251 | 0.7521% |
| 1970 | 96 | 4,158 | 0.2613% |
| 1980 | 173 | 1,587 | 0.1085% |
| 1990 | 224 | 1,244 | 0.0751% |
| 2000 | 421 | 635 | 0.0416% |
| 2010 | 870 | 249 | 0.0173% |
| 2020 | 2,160 | 38 | 0.003% |
| 2023 | 2,321 | 36 | 0.0028% |
From a rank of 225 in 1910, Janet climbed to the top 20 by the 1940s and 50s, reaching a peak where over 1% of female births were given this name. However, the popularity of Janet began to decline in the latter half of the 20th century, and by 2023, it ranked 2,321 with only 36 births. This data illustrates a significant shift in naming trends over time.
The District of Columbia (DC) mirrors the national trend. The popularity peaked in the mid-20th century and has since declined.
This data is sourced from SSA.gov, a reliable resource for baby name statistics.
The Meaning and Origin of Janet
Janet is a diminutive of Jane, which itself originates from the Hebrew name Johana (יוֹחָנָּה). Johana means "God is gracious". Thus, Janet carries the beautiful and meaningful connotation of "God is gracious." The name is primarily of Scottish origin, further adding to its charm and historical significance.
Names Like Janet
If you admire the sound and style of Janet, here are some alternative names you might consider:
Variants of Janet: These names share the same core origin and meaning:
- Gianetta (Scottish, "God is gracious")
- Janeta (Scottish, "God is gracious")
- Janeth (Scottish, "God is gracious")
- Janett (Scottish)
- Janetta (Scottish, "God is gracious")
- Janette (Scottish, "God is gracious")
- Janit (Scottish, "God is gracious")
- Jannet (Scottish)
- Janneth (Scottish)
- Jannette (Scottish)
- Janot (Scottish)
- Jenetta (Scottish)
- Jenette (Scottish, "God is gracious")
- Jennet (Scottish, "God is gracious")
- Jennette (Scottish)
- Jinnet (Scottish)
- Jinnett (Scottish)
- Johnetta (Scottish, "God is gracious")
- Johnette (Scottish, "God is gracious")
- Jonette (Scottish, "God is gracious")
Names that Sound Like Janet: These names share a similar phonetic quality:
- Anet (Hebrew, "He (God) has favored me")
- Annet (Hebrew, "He (God) has favored me")
- Jandy (Hebrew, "God is gracious")
- Janita (Spanish, "God is gracious")
- Junot (Latin, "Queen of heaven") – also a male name.
- Waneta (English, "Pale-skinned")
- Wyanet (Native American, "Beautiful")
Similar Names: These names evoke a similar feeling or style:
- Anjanette (American)
- Jan (Hebrew, "God is gracious") – also a male name.
- Jennie (English, variant spelling of Jenny)
- Jessie (Hebrew, "He sees") – also a male name.
- Sinead (Irish, "God is gracious")
The Enduring Appeal of Janet
While the name Janet may not be as popular as it once was, it remains a beautiful and timeless choice. Its classic sound, meaningful origin, and association with strong and graceful women ensure that Janet will continue to be a name that resonates with parents for generations to come. Its history, meaning "God is gracious," and Scottish roots make Janet a truly special and enduring name.