The name Janette is a French feminine form of the name Jeanne, which is the French variant of the Hebrew name Johanan or John, meaning "Yahweh is gracious" or "God is gracious." The name Jeanne became popular in France during the Middle Ages, and the diminutive form Janette emerged as a pet name or nickname for Jeanne.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Janette can be found in the 14th century French text "Le Roman de la Rose," where a character named Janette is mentioned. The name gained further prominence in the 15th century with the legendary figure of Joan of Arc, whose French name was Jeanne d'Arc. While her name was Jeanne, the diminutive form Janette may have been used affectionately by her contemporaries.

In the 17th century, the name Janette appeared in various literary works, including the play "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" by Molière, where a character named Janette is featured. During this time, the name was particularly popular among the French nobility and upper classes.

One notable historical figure with the name Janette was Janette Renault (1854-1931), a French feminist and educator. She was a pioneer in women's education and founded several schools for girls in France.

Another notable Janette was Janette Oke (1935-2023), a Canadian author of Christian fiction and pioneer fiction novels. Her books, such as the "Love Comes Softly" series, have been widely popular and have been adapted into several television movies and series.

In the United States, Janette Rankin (1880-1973) was a pioneering politician and activist. She was the first woman elected to the United States Congress, serving as a Representative from Montana in 1917 and again from 1941 to 1943.

Janette Husárová (1938-2022) was a Slovak actress and singer, known for her roles in numerous films and television series in Czechoslovakia and later Slovakia. She was a prominent figure in the cultural life of her country.

Janette Turner Hospital (born 1942) is an Australian novelist and scholar, known for her works exploring themes of identity, displacement, and cross-cultural encounters. Her novels, such as "The Last Magician" and "Orpheus Lost," have received critical acclaim.