MallowbyNames

Janos

YAH-nohsh · God is gracious

Peak popularity
1971
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Janos since 1964

Babies named Janos per year in U.S. Social Security records.

358198020002020Most births 1969Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1960s13
1970s45
1980s24
1990s40
2000s17
2010s8
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Janos, the Hungarian form of John, has a strong cultural identity tied to Central Europe. While never among the most common names in the United States, it has maintained steady, if modest, usage since first being recorded in 1964. The name reached its peak year in 1971, during a time when Hungarian heritage names saw a small surge among immigrant families. Despite a one-in-n ratio that indicates rarity (no data available), its trajectory has been stable, suggesting consistent if limited appeal. Janos represents a meaningful choice for families with Hungarian roots or an appreciation for Slavic name traditions. With no top states reporting high usage, it remains a distinctive option outside mainstream trends.

Janos is the Hungarian form of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'Yahweh is gracious.' It has been used in Hungary since the Middle Ages, particularly popular among Hungarian nobility and commoners alike. The Slavic variant, often spelled János, reflects the influence of Hungarian culture in Central Europe.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Jani, Jancsi

Variants: János, Janusz, Ivan

Sibling names for Janos

Names that share Janos's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

J is for Janos, our favorite little boy.

J is for Janos…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Janos's letter becomes Janos's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Janos's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Janos mean?
Janos means 'God is gracious,' originating from the Hebrew Yochanan.
Is Janos a common name today?
Janos is not currently in the U.S. top 1000, but it peaked in popularity in 1971. Its usage has remained stable over the decades.
Is Janos a boy or girl name?
Janos is traditionally a masculine name, the Hungarian form of John.