Declining since 1986, #2,778 for girls today.
Popularity of Janet since 1880
Babies named Janet per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1954, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Janet's real moment was 1942.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 461 |
| 1890s | 898 |
| 1900s | 1,541 |
| 1910s | 10,713 |
| 1920s | 23,973 |
| 1930s | 76,038 |
| 1940s | 130,755 |
| 1950s | 167,520 |
| 1960s | 89,315 |
| 1970s | 24,454 |
| 1980s | 13,520 |
| 1990s | 9,660 |
| 2000s | 5,501 |
| 2010s | 1,906 |
| 2020s | 521 |
Meaning & origin
Janet peaked in popularity in 1942, when it was a top 100 name in the United States. After maintaining high usage through the 1950s, it began a steady decline from 1986 onward, and by 2025 it had fallen to rank 2,778, given to only 1 in 26,349 baby girls. The name's trajectory reflects a shift away from mid-century classics. Janet remains most common in New York, California, and Texas, where it retains some recognition. Despite its fall, Janet carries a quiet, vintage appeal.
Janet originated as a Middle English diminutive of Jane, the feminine form of John. John derives from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The name Janet became established as an independent given name in Scotland during the Middle Ages, where it was used as a vernacular form of Jane. By the 19th century, it had spread throughout the English-speaking world, gaining particular popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century.
Where Janet 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.
“Janet” around the world
Where Janet lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jan, Nettie, Janey
Sibling names for Janet
Names that share Janet's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Nancy, Cynthia, Martha, Yvette, Leticia, Dianne, Judith, Judy, Leanne, Lynn, Lynne, Ronda, Sherry, Caren, Carin, Carolann, Joellen, Jonnie, Lorinda, Marjory, Sharron, Shelia, Arnita, Carmon, Deb, Dennise, Jerilynn, Joeann, Laurene, Merilyn, Sharen, Sherryl, Suanne, Suzann, Bretta, Charyl, Cherl, Darlynn, Delynn, Dyanne, Gerilyn, Jacolyn, Jenean, Joyann, Karene, Lorre, Lynett, Lynnda, Maryjean, Pamila, Pamla, Sharman, Sherlin, Candus, Carolle, Cherilynn, Chyrel, Dawnn, Debralee, Lynann, Lynanne, Merryl, Ronalee, Scheryl, Sharren, Sherolyn, Sherran, Sherrian, Sheryn, Susen, Beverlyann, Brynda, Chryl, Danett, Dorri, Janit, Judythe, Lorann, Marijean, Marylynne, Pamelyn, Rondalyn, Sharlynn, Terrilee
Brothers: Kenneth, Donald, Ronald, Harold, Gerald, Curtis, Dennis, Duane, Jerald, Keith, Lonnie, Mark, Roger, Darell, Deron, Dian, Jerrold, Karon, Randell, Ron, Rondal, Stan, Darryll, Jhonny, Terryl, Darrol, Derryl, Donnald, Duan, Erskin, Garrie, Jeral, Kreg, Darrall, Deland, Gregary, Jermy, Kinneth, Dareld, Darrie, Donaldson, Jerol, Jerrol, Kirtis
Names like Janet
Names whose popularity has moved with Janet's over the last 50 years.
