Janette Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

About Janette

Janette is a feminine name derived from Jane, which ultimately comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious." This French diminutive form adds refinement and elegance to the simpler Jane. Janette enjoyed modest popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s-1960s, often as an alternative to the more common Janet. The name combines classic origins with a softly feminine sound. While less commonly given to babies today, it retains a timeless quality that avoids feeling dated. Janette offers the perfect balance between familiarity and distinctiveness, recognizable without being overused, and carries the graceful, meaningful heritage of its root name.

Janette is also given to boys.

Pronounced jah-NET.

As of October 2026, Janette ranked #8682 in US births in 1990 SSA, peaked at #4148 in 1971.

Popularity & trends

US popularity — history

US rank, lower is more popular · SSA data 2014–2025

Boys #4,270

Girls #4,804

20142025

18802025

Data table

Year	US rank · boys	US rank · girls	Births · girls
2014	—	#2,861	60
2015	—	#3,152	53
2016	—	#3,079	54
2017	—	#3,409	46
2018	—	#3,582	43
2019	—	#4,103	35
2020	—	#4,809	27
2021	—	#3,835	39
2022	—	#4,320	33
2023	—	#3,728	41
2024	—	#4,804	28
2025	—	—	0