A familiar French name with steady appeal.
A female given name.
Janelle is a girl's and boy's baby name of French origin, a modern feminine elaboration of Jane, itself derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious." It emerged as an American coinage in the mid-20th century.
Janelle peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, carried by a generation of parents who loved its smooth, melodic sound. Singer Janelle Monae brought fresh contemporary energy to the name in the 2010s.
Janelle was #545 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #776, but its charm endures.
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 2,087 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 6,906 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 6,773 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 8,488 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 12,571 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 8,439 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 5,025 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 3,528 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 1,499 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 857 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 280 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 84 | — |
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 362 | #776 |
| 2023 | 417 | #693 |
| 2022 | 434 | #672 |
| 2021 | 447 | #664 |
| 2020 | 427 | #671 |
| 2019 | 549 | #553 |
| 2018 | 527 | #583 |
| 2017 | 628 | #499 |
| 2016 | 667 | #477 |
| 2015 | 680 | #474 |
| 2014 | 713 | #451 |
| 2013 | 777 | #397 |
| 2012 | 739 | #426 |
| 2011 | 813 | #391 |
| 2010 | 813 | #394 |
| 2009 | 781 | #405 |
| 2008 | 884 | #373 |
| 2007 | 817 | #399 |
| 2006 | 824 | #390 |
| 2005 | 571 | #517 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Janelle has also been given to 86 boys in the U.S. since 1976.
Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1912–2024) · Methodology