The name Janine has its origins in the French language, derived from the male name Janin, which in turn traces its roots back to the medieval French name Jehan, a variant of the biblical name John. This name ultimately comes from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "Graced by God" or "God is gracious."

The earliest recorded use of the name Janine dates back to the late 19th century in France, where it emerged as a feminine form of the traditional French names Jean and Jeanne. It gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in France and other French-speaking regions.

One of the earliest known historical references to the name Janine can be found in the works of French novelist Émile Zola, who featured a character named Janine in his novel "La Terre" published in 1887.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Janine. One of the most famous was Janine Charrat (1924-2021), a French ballet dancer and choreographer who became the director of the Paris Opera Ballet in 1963. Another prominent Janine was Janine Aron-Bevelander (1923-2007), a Dutch-American economist and author known for her work on international trade and development economics.

In the world of sports, Janine Flock (born 1983) is an Austrian professional tennis player who has won several titles on the WTA Tour. Janine Shepherd (born 1962) is an Australian author, aviator, and former cross-country skier, known for her inspirational story of overcoming a near-fatal accident.

Janine Garofalo (born 1964) is an American actress, comedian, and political activist, best known for her roles in films such as "Reality Bites" and "The Truth About Cats & Dogs." Another notable Janine in the entertainment industry is Janine Turner (born 1962), an American actress and writer, famous for her role in the television series "Northern Exposure."

While the name Janine has French origins, it has since been adopted and used in various cultures and languages around the world, carrying with it the essence of grace, elegance, and divine favor.