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    Janis

    Also spelled: John, Johannes, Ivan, Juan, Jean, Ioan, Jane, Janet

    יאניס(Yanis)

    Janis · John (English) · Jean (French) · Juan (Spanish) · Ivan (Russian) · Giovanni (Italian)

    Pronunciation: JAH-nis (Latvian) / JAN-is (English)

    ⚥ Unisex
    Hebrew

    Meaning

    God is gracious

    Origin

    Hebrew

    About Janis

    Janis carries a compelling duality, a name both firmly rooted in the ancient Hebrew meaning "God is gracious" and vibrantly contemporary, especially in its masculine form in Latvia. While in English-speaking regions it might evoke a strong, earthy, and perhaps slightly retro feminine image, particularly due to its phonetic similarity to names like Janet, its true strength lies in its broader, unisex appeal. For parents seeking a name that feels classic yet distinctive, avoiding the overly popular, Janis offers a wonderful balance. It’s a choice that speaks to a quiet resilience and an enduring grace, making it stand out from its more common linguistic cousins like John or Jane, by offering an unexpected twist on a beloved meaning.

    Quick Facts

    - Gender: Unisex - Origin: Hebrew - Phonetic spelling: JAH-nis (Latvian) / JAN-is (English) - Common diminutives: John, Jane, Janet

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Common (Latvia), Uncommon (feminine in English-speaking countries)
    Trend:Declining (feminine in English-speaking countries), Classic (masculine in Latvia)
    Peak decade:1940s (feminine in US)
    Era:Medieval, Contemporary
    Popular in:Latvia

    Popularity Trends

    Is Janis Right for Your Baby?

    Janis is a Strong, Classic, Earthy name that suits parents looking for something with character. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables2
    LengthMedium
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Biblical / Christian

    Regions Where Janis Is Used

    Baltic
    Anglo-Saxon / British

    Name Vibe

    Strong
    Classic
    Earthy

    Famous People Named Janis

    • * Janis Joplin (American singer-songwriter)
    • * Jānis Lūsis (Latvian javelin thrower, Olympic medalist)
    • * Jānis Rainis (Latvian poet and playwright)
    • * Janis Siegel (American jazz singer, member of The Manhattan Transfer)
    • * Jānis Streičs (Latvian film director)

    Nicknames & Short Forms

    Jan

    Janis in different fonts

    JanisDancing Script
    JanisCaveat
    JanisSatisfy
    JanisPacifico
    JanisGreat Vibes

    Spelling Variants

    These names are alternative spellings or variants of Janis:

    Names Similar to Janis

    Names with a similar meaning or feel:

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Janis

    Is Janis a masculine or feminine name?

    Janis is traditionally a masculine name, particularly popular in Latvia. However, in English-speaking countries, it has also been used as a feminine name.

    What is the meaning of the name Janis?

    Janis is derived from Hebrew and means "God is gracious," sharing its root with names like John and Jane.

    What does Janis mean?

    Janis means "God is gracious". It is derived from Hebrew.

    What is the origin of Janis?

    Janis originates from Hebrew. Its cultural origin is Hebrew.

    Is Janis a male or female name?

    Janis is a unisex name.

    How do you pronounce Janis?

    Janis is pronounced "JAH-nis (Latvian) / JAN-is (English)".

    What language does Janis come from?

    Janis comes from Hebrew.

    Is Janis a popular name?

    Janis is considered a common (latvia), uncommon (feminine in english-speaking countries) name, and its popularity trend is declining (feminine in english-speaking countries), classic (masculine in latvia).

    What are variants of Janis?

    Variants of Janis include John, Johannes, Ivan, Juan, Jean, Ioan, Jane, Janet.

    What are nicknames for Janis?

    Common nicknames for Janis include Jan.

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