Janae

Meaning of Janae

Janae (juh-NAY) is a breezy, modern spin on the classic Jane—ultimately rooted in the Hebrew “Yochanan,” meaning “God is gracious”—but dressed up with a lilting French-style ending that gives it extra sparkle. First popping onto U.S. birth certificates in the late 1960s, Janae caught a wave of popularity through the ’80s and ’90s before settling into today’s sweet spot: familiar enough to feel friendly, rare enough to stand out (fewer than 200 American girls received the name in 2024). Listeners hear sunshine and confidence in those two bright syllables, and pop culture backs that vibe with athletes like softball star Janae Jefferson and YouTuber-chef Janae Mason showing off the name’s can-do spirit. Parents who choose Janae often say they love its mix of tradition and flair—the same gracious meaning as Jane, but with a modern, melodic twist that practically pirouettes off the tongue. If you’re hunting for a name that’s warm, upbeat, and just a little unexpected, Janae might be the gracious gift you’ve been looking for.