The name Janell is believed to have its origins in the French language, derived from the name Janelle, which itself is a feminine form of the name Jean. Jean is a French variant of the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "Graced by God" or "God is gracious."

The name Janell is thought to have gained popularity during the medieval period, particularly in France and other parts of Western Europe. It was often used as a diminutive or pet form of the name Janelle, serving as a more informal and affectionate version.

While there are no definitive historical references or appearances of the name Janell in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is likely that the name followed a similar trajectory to its parent name, Jean, which has a long and well-documented history dating back to biblical times.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Janell can be found in the 16th century, when it was used as a female given name in France. However, it remained relatively uncommon until the 20th century when it gained broader popularity, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Janell, including:

1. Janell Burse Comisionado (born 1961), an American businesswoman and entrepreneur, co-founder of the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

2. Janell Cannon (born 1957), an American author and illustrator of children's books, best known for her work "Stellaluna."

3. Janell Kempadoo (born 1980), a Guyanese-British actress known for her roles in TV series like "EastEnders" and "Doctors."

4. Janell Stephens (born 1956), an American R&B singer and songwriter, known for her work with the group Chanteuse.

5. Janell Mayo (born 1977), an American actress and model, best known for her role in the TV series "Family Time."

These individuals, spanning various fields and time periods, have helped to establish and perpetuate the name Janell, contributing to its continued use and recognition.