Janey
Janey is a girl's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
God is gracious.
Origin and history
Janey is an English diminutive of Jane, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious'. Historically used as an affectionate nickname, it also functions as an independent given name in the United States. While less common than Jane, it maintains steady, moderate usage.
Popularity in the United States
5,044 babies in the United States have been named Janey since 1880. It ranks #2455 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1882.
States where it is most popular
- TX (35.5 %)
- CA (29.5 %)
- TN (6.8 %)
- OH (5.3 %)
- OK (4.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 14 |
| 1890-1900 | 18 |
| 1900-1910 | 24 |
| 1910-1920 | 149 |
| 1920-1930 | 237 |
| 1930-1940 | 292 |
| 1940-1950 | 736 |
| 1950-1960 | 853 |
| 1960-1970 | 538 |
| 1970-1980 | 364 |
| 1980-1990 | 384 |
| 1990-2000 | 434 |
| 2000-2010 | 423 |
| 2010-2019 | 359 |
| 2020-2029 | 219 |
Famous people named Janey
- Janey Buchan: Politician, Activist
- Janey Godley: Comedian, Writer
Fun facts
- Janey developed as a cozy, informal version of Jane before gaining recognition as a standalone legal name.
- Variations of the name Janey appear throughout mid-20th-century English literature and popular culture.