Origin and Meaning of Janie

Meaning & Origin

God is gracious

Origin: English - Janie is a diminutive form of the name Jane, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yoḥanan (יוחנן), meaning 'God is gracious'.

Interesting Facts

  • Janie often carries a nostalgic and youthful connotation, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a cute and endearing name.
  • While Janie is primarily used in English-speaking countries, diminutive forms of Jane can be found in various cultures, such as Gianna in Italian.
  • Notable bearers of the name Janie include Janie Fricke, an American country music singer, and characters like Janie Crawford in Zora Neale Hurston's novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'.
  • The name Janie rose to popularity in the early to mid-20th century and has seen a decline in usage since then, giving it a vintage charm.
  • Variations of the name include Jane, Jan, and Jana, while Janie can also be spelled as Janey or Janiee.