Janela first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Janela has been for the last 1 years (from 1995 to 1995) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Janela

A feminine name of Portuguese origin referring to a "window".

Popularity of Janela by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Janela is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1995, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Janela.

Year Male Count Female Count
1995 0 5

The history of the first name Janela

The name Janela is believed to have its origins in Portuguese, derived from the word "janela" meaning "window." This connection to windows suggests the name may have been initially used to convey openness, clarity, or a glimpse into something profound.

In the 15th century, during the Age of Discovery, Portuguese explorers and navigators played a pivotal role in expanding the boundaries of the known world. It is possible that the name Janela gained popularity during this period, perhaps referring to the "window" through which these adventurers gazed upon new lands and horizons.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Janela can be found in the writings of the renowned Portuguese poet Luís de Camões, who lived from 1524 to 1580. In his epic poem "Os Lusíadas," Camões immortalized the exploits of Portuguese navigators, and it is believed that he may have referenced a character named Janela, though the context remains unclear.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Janela. One such figure was Janela de Sousa (1560-1632), a Portuguese noblewoman renowned for her patronage of the arts and her support of the Jesuit missionaries in their efforts to spread Christianity in the East.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Janela Ferreira (1675-1749), a Brazilian revolutionary who played a crucial role in the Inconfidência Mineira, a colonial uprising against Portuguese rule in the late 18th century. Her unwavering spirit and commitment to the cause of independence have made her a revered figure in Brazilian history.

In the realm of literature, Janela Almeida (1820-1892) was a celebrated Portuguese writer and poet whose works explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition. Her poetic prowess earned her widespread acclaim and a place among the literary greats of her time.

Moving into the 20th century, Janela Fernandes (1905-1981) was a renowned Spanish painter whose vibrant canvases captured the essence of her native Andalusia. Her paintings are celebrated for their bold use of color and their ability to evoke the region's rich cultural heritage.

Lastly, Janela Martins (1940-2008) was a Brazilian environmental activist who dedicated her life to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest and the rights of indigenous communities. Her tireless efforts earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 1992.

While the name Janela may not have appeared in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its connection to the Portuguese language and the Age of Discovery has given it a rich historical tapestry, weaving together tales of exploration, artistic expression, and social activism.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Janela was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Janela, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

"Janela first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on September 20, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/janela-meaning-and-history/.

"Janela first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/janela-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 20 September, 2025

Janela first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/janela-meaning-and-history/.

Search for a name

Search for a first or last name to learn more about its origin, meaning, and more.

Simple as that.