MallowbyNames

Jenise

jə-NEES · Form of Janice, feminine of John, meaning 'God is gracious'.

2025 rank (girls)
#9,457
Babies named in 2025
10
Peak popularity
1982
2025 frequency
1 in 160,727 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2022

A 1980s favorite, climbing again.

Popularity of Jenise since 1950

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

2347701960198020002020Most births 1982Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1950s303
1960s492
1970s456
1980s582
1990s445
2000s292
2010s172
2020s53

Meaning & origin

Jenise is a modern English feminine name that appeared in U.S. records starting in 1950. It reached its peak popularity in 1982, when it ranked highest on the Social Security list. In recent years, the name has been rising again since 2022, showing a revival from its earlier 1980s heyday. With a sound reminiscent of Denise and Nicole, Jenise offers a distinctive yet familiar choice for parents seeking a name with a rhythmic, two-syllable flow. While its current rarity gives it a fresh feel, its peak in the 1980s means it may evoke a sense of retro charm.

Jenise is a modern English feminine name, a variant of Janice. Janice itself was coined in the 19th century by novelist Fanny Burney, derived from Jane with the suffix -ice. Ultimately, it traces back to the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious'. Jenise emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century, enjoying modest popularity particularly in the 1970s and 1980s.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Jen, Nise

Variants: Janice, Jenice, Jenise

Sibling names for Jenise

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

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

J is for Jenise, our favorite little girl.

J is for Jenise…”

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

Make Jenise's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Jenise mean?
Jenise is a variant of Janice, a feminine form of John, and thus means 'God is gracious'.
How popular is the name Jenise?
As of 2025, Jenise ranks 9,457th in the United States, with about 1 in every 160,727 newborn girls given the name.
Is Jenise a boy or girl name?
Jenise is used almost exclusively for girls.