Find out how popular the first name Janet has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Janet by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Janet is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Janet being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 96 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Janet.

The history of the first name Janet

The name Janet originated from the French variation Jeanette, which is the feminine form of the male name Jean, derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan meaning "Graced by God" or "Yahweh is gracious". The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages in France and eventually spread across Europe.

Janet is thought to have its roots in ancient Hebrew and Biblical texts, with the name Yohanan appearing in various forms throughout the Old Testament. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name in its modern form can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror, which mentions a landowner named Janneta.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Janet. One of the earliest was Janet Beaufort (1399-1472), a Scottish princess who played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses. Another influential figure was Janet Erskine (1508-1572), a Scottish noblewoman and religious reformer who was a confidante of Mary, Queen of Scots.

In the realm of literature, Janet Lewis (1899-1998) was an American poet, novelist, and short story writer who received numerous accolades, including the Frost Medal from the Poetry Society of America. The name also has a place in the world of science, with Janet Taylor Lisle (1936-2001) being a prominent American virologist known for her contributions to the study of viruses and their role in cancer.

In the 20th century, Janet Flanner (1892-1978) was an American writer and journalist best known for her work as the Paris correspondent for The New Yorker magazine under the pen name "Genêt". Her vivid descriptions of Parisian life and culture during the interwar period and World War II are considered literary masterpieces.

While these are just a few examples, the name Janet has been carried by countless individuals throughout history, each leaving their unique mark on the world in various fields and disciplines.

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 Janet was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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