Declining since 1985, #6,325 for girls today.
Popularity of Janell since 1914
Babies named Janell per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 35 |
| 1920s | 296 |
| 1930s | 601 |
| 1940s | 1,031 |
| 1950s | 2,034 |
| 1960s | 2,537 |
| 1970s | 2,852 |
| 1980s | 2,756 |
| 1990s | 1,732 |
| 2000s | 1,128 |
| 2010s | 569 |
| 2020s | 162 |
Meaning & origin
Janell is a mid-20th century American invention, part of the wave of elaborate feminine forms ending in -ell that appealed to parents seeking a twist on classic names. First recorded in 1914, its most popular year was 1979, placing it clearly in the 1970s baby-naming landscape. Since 1985 the name has been steadily falling in use and by 2025 it had a frequency of 1 in 89,293 births, showing its rarity today. The name's strongest association remains with California, the top state for Janell births. While never a chart-topper, Janell represents a specific era of American naming creativity, combining familiar sounds with a fashionable ending.
Janell is a modern English feminine name, a blend of Jane and the popular suffix -ell, or a variant of Janelle. It emerged in the early 20th century, part of a trend creating elaborate feminine forms from classic names like John. The name saw peak popularity in the United States during the 1970s.
Where Janell is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jan, Nell, Janny
Sibling names for Janell
Names that share Janell's style, for a brother or sister.
