Meaning & Origin
A female given name.
Janet is a girl's and boy's baby name of Hebrew origin via French, a medieval diminutive of Jane, which itself comes from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." The name flourished in Scotland before spreading through the English-speaking world.
Janet was one of the top girls' names in the U.S. in the 1940s and 1950s. Janet Jackson turned it into pop royalty, while Janet Leigh gave it a thrilling Hollywood identity (and an unforgettable scene in Psycho). Neat, bright, and dependably elegant, Janet is a mid-century classic that wears remarkably well.