Jana is a feminine given name of Slavic origin, derived from the Hebrew name Johanna, which itself is a feminine form of the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The name Jana is most commonly associated with Central and Eastern European countries, particularly in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and parts of Germany.

The earliest recorded use of the name Jana can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was used among Slavic populations in Central and Eastern Europe. In the 9th century, a Bohemian noblewoman named Jana of Bohemia was recorded as one of the earliest known bearers of the name.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Jana. One of the most famous was Jana of Arc, also known as Joan of Arc (1412-1431), the French Catholic heroine who played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War. Another historical figure was Jana of Castile (1479-1555), the Queen of Spain and daughter of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile.

In the realm of literature, Jana Eyrová (1819-1849) was a Czech poet and writer who is considered one of the pioneering figures in the Czech national revival movement. Additionally, Jana Novák (1853-1912) was a Czech composer and pianist known for her contributions to the development of Czech classical music.

Turning to more recent times, Jana Novotná (1968-2017) was a renowned Czech professional tennis player and a former world No. 1 who won multiple Grand Slam singles and doubles titles throughout her career.

While the name Jana has maintained its popularity in Central and Eastern European countries, it has also gained recognition globally, with many notable individuals bearing the name in various fields, including arts, sciences, and sports.