Declining since 1985, #2,514 for girls today.
Popularity of Janice since 1894
Babies named Janice per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 18 |
| 1900s | 455 |
| 1910s | 2,941 |
| 1920s | 11,809 |
| 1930s | 49,343 |
| 1940s | 118,893 |
| 1950s | 133,620 |
| 1960s | 57,966 |
| 1970s | 14,833 |
| 1980s | 7,495 |
| 1990s | 3,951 |
| 2000s | 2,807 |
| 2010s | 1,792 |
| 2020s | 525 |
Meaning & origin
Janice is a name that evokes mid-century Americana, having peaked in 1946 when it was a top choice for girls across the country. While it has fallen significantly since its heyday, it remains in use, currently ranking 2,514th in 2025 with about 1 in 22,961 baby girls receiving the name. The name's trajectory has been consistently falling since 1985, yet it maintains a presence, particularly in states like Ohio, New York, and California, where it has historically been most popular. First appearing in the U.S. records in 1894, Janice emerged as a creative variant of the classic Jane, part of a trend of elaborating simple names with fashionable endings. Its peak in the 1940s places it alongside contemporaries like Joyce and Carol, and while it is now far less common, it carries a vintage charm that some parents find appealing today.
Janice is a modern elaboration of Jane, which ultimately comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." Created in the late 19th century, likely by adding the popular suffix -ice to Jan or Jane, it first appeared in U.S. records in 1894. The name gained widespread popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it became especially common in the 1930s and 1940s.
Where Janice 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.
“Janice” around the world
Where Janice lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jan, Janey, Nissy
Sibling names for Janice
Names that share Janice's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Joyce, Marie, Sharon, Carol, Cheryl, Marsha, Charleen, Luanne, Milissa, Carolee, Darice, Denese, Denita, Gaynelle, Janyce, Jeanice, Julene, Katrice, Marolyn, Saralyn, Sharlyn, Sherice, Shirleen, Brendalee, Carliss, Charlynn, Charmin, Danice, Gaylynn, Genice, Glenice, Janith, Jonita, Karilyn, Kellene, Lenise, Lizanne, Marlyce, Necia, Sharise, Sharone, Sheliah, Sherian, Terrilyn, Arlicia, Charnice, Delise, Denicia, Donise, Gaylyn, Jackye, Jancy, Jannice, Jeania, Jenice, Jennice, Jerrilynn, Judyann, Junice, Lanice, Lenice, Loralyn, Marilea, Marlise, Monice, Scherrie, Caroljean, Darlys, Darnice, Deneice, Donnice, Jamice, Janyth, Jeananne, Jerilee, Jerita, Kenise, Kimetha, Lafreda, Lanise, Maridee, Martrice, Patryce, Sharonlee, Tenise, Trenace, Trenice
Brothers: John, James, Robert, William, Jeryl, Laron, Randel, Duayne, Martice, Ronnel, Duwane
Names like Janice
Names whose popularity has moved with Janice's over the last 50 years.
