Home › Baby Names Directory › Janice

Janice

♀ Girl

Pronounced JAN-iss /ˈdʒæn.ɪs/High

Meaning: God is graciousHigh

In 30 seconds: Janice is an English elaboration of Jane meaning God is gracious. A mid-century classic with warm vintage charm, popular from the 1940s through the 1970s.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighHebrew, English
MeaningGod is gracious
U.S. rank (2024)#2250 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births83 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1951
Total births (all-time)≈ 406,375

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195118942024

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

History & Origin

Janice is a modern English elaboration of Jane, itself the feminine form of John (from Hebrew Yochanan meaning God is gracious). The -ice suffix was applied to various classic names in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to create new feminine forms.

Janice was highly popular in the United States from the 1940s through the 1960s. It is associated with singer Janis Joplin and the character Janice from Friends. Though now vintage-feeling, it retains warm retro appeal.

Did you know? Janice Joplin was born in Port Arthur, Texas in 1943. At her most famous performance at Woodstock in 1969, she wore a tie-dye top that later sold at auction for over $20,000 — a symbol of the era when Janice was at peak cultural resonance.
Overall data confidence 88%
Hanks & Hodges, Dictionary of First Names — reference for JaniceBehind the Name: Janice — name etymology referenceUS Social Security Name Database — U.S. popularity data

Variations

JanisJaniseJanniceJan

Nicknames

JanJaniNici

Famous Bearers

  • ★Janis Joplin (1943–1970)
    American rock and blues singer who performed at Woodstock; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  • ★Janice Litman (fictional)
    Recurring character in the NBC sitcom Friends, known for her nasal voice and distinctive laugh.

If you like Janice…

Jane— the classic base name from which Janice derives
Janet— another Jane-elaboration from the same era
Joan— classic mid-century J-name of same vintage
June— mid-century J-name with similar retro charm
Diane— vintage mid-century classic of the same period

Frequently Asked

What does Janice mean?

Janice means God is gracious, as an elaboration of Jane, which derives from the Hebrew Yochanan via John.

How do you pronounce Janice?

Janice is pronounced JAN-iss (/ˈdʒæn.ɪs/), with two syllables.

Is Janice a girl's name?

Yes, Janice is an exclusively feminine name.

How popular is the name Janice?

Janice was very popular in the 1940s–1960s in the US and now carries a vintage retro charm.