A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Janaki since 1978
Babies named Janaki per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 36 |
| 1990s | 35 |
| 2000s | 41 |
| 2010s | 45 |
| 2020s | 35 |
Meaning & origin
Janaki first appeared in U.S. records in 1978 and saw its peak year in 1981, though it has never been common. The name has been rising since 2005, reflecting a broader trend of traditional Sanskrit names gaining visibility. As of 2025, the name is given to roughly 1 in 200,908 newborn girls, indicating its rarity. The trajectory suggests a slow but steady increase in use, likely driven by families with South Asian heritage or those seeking meaningful mythological names.
Janaki is a feminine name derived from the Sanskrit 'Janaka', referring to King Janaka of Mithila, the adoptive father of Sita in the Ramayana. The name thus means 'daughter of Janaka' and is an epithet for Sita. It has been used in South Asia for centuries, particularly among Hindu families.
“Janaki” around the world
Where Janaki lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Janu, Naki
Variants: Janakee, Janaki
Sibling names for Janaki
Names that share Janaki's style, for a brother or sister.
