A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Janita since 1915
Babies named Janita per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 29 |
| 1930s | 77 |
| 1940s | 135 |
| 1950s | 207 |
| 1960s | 322 |
| 1970s | 245 |
| 1980s | 356 |
| 1990s | 227 |
| 2000s | 116 |
| 2010s | 82 |
| 2020s | 35 |
Meaning & origin
Janita is a Spanish diminutive of Juana, which itself is the feminine form of Juan (John). It shares the meaning 'God is gracious' with its Hebrew antecedent Yochanan. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1915 and enjoyed its peak popularity in 1963, consistent with the broader trend of Spanish-inflected names during that era. After a period of decline, Janita has been rising in usage since 2018, showing a modest revival. Its 2025 rank of 13,208 makes it a relatively rare choice, with a frequency of about 1 in 268,000 girls. Though it has no historical top state concentration, Janita fits a pattern of vintage Hispanic names being rediscovered by modern parents seeking distinctive yet melodious options.
Janita is a Spanish diminutive of Juana, the Spanish feminine form of John, which derives from the Hebrew Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious'. The name entered the English-speaking world primarily through Spanish-speaking communities. It has been in use in the United States since at least 1915, with a peak in popularity during the 1960s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nita, Jani, Anita
Sibling names for Janita
Names that share Janita's style, for a brother or sister.
