Janay

American, modern elaboration of Jane or Jan

Janay Origin and Meaning

The name Janay is a girl's name.

Janay is a contemporary feminine name that emerged in American naming patterns during the 1970s and gained more popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. It appears to be a creative variant built on the traditional name 'Jane' (itself derived from Hebrew 'Yochanan' meaning 'God is gracious'), with the trendy '-ay' ending that became popular in the late 20th century. The name might also have been influenced by similar-sounding names like Janae or Jenae. Linguistically, the '-ay' suffix creates a melodic ending that emphasizes the second syllable. Janay has maintained moderate usage since its emergence, appealing to parents seeking a name with familiar roots but a distinctive sound and spelling. The name's rhythm and modern feel have contributed to its enduring appeal.

# 969 in the US

Janay Rank in US Top 1000

Famous People Named Janay

  • Cynithia "Janay" DeLoach
    American Olympic athlete
  • Janay Palmer Rice
    wife of American NFL player Ray Rice
  • Janay Castine
    American pop singer