Janis
Meaning of Janis
The name Janis is a feminine given name with roots in English and Latvian cultures. Pronounced as JAN-is in English (/ˈdʒænɪs/ or /ˈdʒanɪs/) and YAH-nis in Latvian (/janis/), the name has an elegant simplicity that has made it a timeless choice for parents. Janis is often associated with variations such as Janice and Janessa, offering flexible options for those who appreciate its classic charm. The name saw significant popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly peaking in the 1950s when it ranked among the top names for newborn girls in the United States. Though its usage has declined over recent decades, it remains a beloved choice for many, evoking associations with iconic figures like singer Janis Joplin, whose legacy adds a layer of cultural richness to the name. Whether chosen for its melodic sound or its historical significance, Janis continues to be a meaningful and enduring option for baby girls today.
Pronunciation
American English
- Pronunced as JAN-is (/ˈdʒænɪs/)
British English
- Pronunced as JAN-is (/ˈdʒanɪs/)
Latvian
- Pronunced as YAH-nis (/janis/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Janis
| Janis Lyn Joplin was a highly successful American singer and songwriter known for her powerful vocals and captivating stage performances. |
| Janis Ian is a renowned American singer-songwriter known for hits like "Society's Child" and "At Seventeen" during the 1960s and 1970s. |
| Janis Louie is a Chemistry professor and Henry Eyring Fellow at The University of Utah, known for her contributions to inorganic, organic, and polymer chemistry research. |
| Janis Darlene Martin was a pioneering American rockabilly and country music singer known for her influential role in the male-dominated rock and roll music field during the 1950s. |
| Janis Faye Kearney is an American author, lecturer, and publisher who served as a personal diarist to President Bill Clinton from 1995 to 2001. |
| Janis Freegard is a poet and fiction writer from Wellington, New Zealand, with a wide range of published work in books, anthologies, and literary magazines. |
| Janis Brenner is an American dancer, choreographer, singer, and the artistic director of Janis Brenner & Dancers in New York City. |
| Janis Irwin is a Canadian politician serving as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood and holding various roles within the Alberta New Democratic Party. |
| Janis Siegel is an American jazz singer and a member of the vocal group The Manhattan Transfer. |
| Janis Cooke Newman is an American writer known for her novels and memoir, living in San Francisco and actively involved in the local writing community. |
| Janis Jonathan Blaswich is a German professional footballer and goalkeeper for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. |
| Janis Tanaka is an American musician known for her work as a session bassist and touring with artists such as Pink, Fireball Ministry, Hammers of Misfortune, Stone Fox, and L7, as well as being a member of the band Pagan Babies formed by Courtney Love and Kat Bjelland. |
| Janis M. Berry is an American jurist who served as an associate justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court from 2001 to 2016. |
| Janis Paterson is a New Zealand academic and full professor at the Auckland University of Technology. |
| Janis Lynn Hape, also known as Janis Dowd, was an American competition swimmer. |
