Holding steady.
Popularity of Janes since 1912
Babies named Janes per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 27 |
| 1920s | 79 |
| 1930s | 68 |
| 1940s | 40 |
| 1950s | 23 |
| 1960s | 59 |
| 1970s | 36 |
| 1980s | 26 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Janes is a rare given name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1912 and peaked in usage during 1928. Its trajectory has been stable since then, with no significant resurgence. The name never charted in the top 1000, and its rarity makes it a distinctive choice. It may be considered a variant of James, sharing that name's etymological roots, but as a modern invented form, its meaning is less directly tied. Despite its obscurity, Janes carries a familiar sound that is both traditional and uncommon.
Janes appears to be a rare given name that may have emerged as a creative respelling or variant of James, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Jacob (Ya'aqov) meaning 'supplanter.' The name has been recorded in the United States since the early 20th century, with a peak in the 1920s. It has never been a common choice and remains a distinctive modern formation.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jay
Variants: Jaynes
Sibling names for Janes
Names that share Janes's style, for a brother or sister.
