Origin and Meaning of Janell

Meaning & Origin

God is gracious

Origin: American - Janell is a modern feminine form of the name Jan, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan (John), meaning 'God is gracious'. It can also be seen as a combination of the names Jane and Elle.

Interesting Facts

  • Janell is primarily used in English-speaking countries and emerged in popularity in the mid-20th century as a modern feminine variant of traditional names.
  • The name Janell reflects a trend of merging names to create unique variations, common in American naming practices.
  • Notable bearers of the name include American actress Janell Seymore and several local public figures, contributing to its recognition.
  • Janell gained notable popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, but has seen a decline in usage in recent years.
  • Similar names include Janelle, which is often considered a more traditional spelling, as well as Janice and Janine.