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Home › Baby Names Directory › Janet

Janet

♀ Girl

Pronounced JAN-it /ˈdʒæn.ɪt/High

Meaning: God is graciousHigh

In 30 seconds: Janet is a Scottish diminutive of Jane meaning God is gracious. A classic two-syllable name with quiet dignity, beloved in the mid-20th century.
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Origin HighHebrew, Scottish
MeaningGod is gracious
U.S. rank (2025)#2791 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births61 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1954
Total births (all-time)≈ 556,770

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195418802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Janet is the Scottish and English diminutive of Jane, from the Hebrew Yochanan meaning God is gracious. The -et diminutive was particularly popular in Scotland.

Janet was very popular in English-speaking countries from the 1930s through the 1960s and retains a dignified, friendly quality.

Did you know? Janet Jackson (born 1966), one of the best-selling music artists of all time, is perhaps the most famous modern Janet — bringing this classic name modern cool factor.
Overall data confidence 92%
Hanks & Hodges, Dictionary of First Names — reference for JanetBehind the Name: Janet — name etymology reference

Variations

JaneJanetteJannetJanice

Nicknames

JanJanie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Janet Jackson (1966–present)
    Janet Jackson, American singer-songwriter and one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

If you like Janet…

Jane— the base name from which Janet derives
June— mid-century J- classic of same period
Jean— similar mid-century J- classic
Diane— similar mid-century feminine classic
Marian— similar mid-century feminine classic

Explore names like Janet

By themehebrewclassictwo-syllablevintagescottish
By meaningGod / DivineGrace

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does Janet mean?

Janet means God is gracious, as a Scottish diminutive of Jane, from the Hebrew Yochanan.

How do you pronounce Janet?

Janet is pronounced JAN-it (/ˈdʒæn.ɪt/), with two syllables.

Is Janet a girl's name?

Yes, Janet is an exclusively feminine name.

How popular is the name Janet?

Janet was very popular from the 1930s to the 1960s and retains a dignified timeless charm.

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