Janelle
Meaning of Janelle
Janelle slips off the tongue like a soft jazz riff—graceful, bright, and just a little unexpected. Born from the French pet-form of Jeanne (itself a cousin of Jane), the name carries the evergreen meaning “God is gracious,” while that playful “-elle” ending sprinkles on a pinch of Parisian sparkle. In the States, Janelle first tiptoed onto birth certificates in the 1940s, twirled into the spotlight during the disco-colored ‘70s and ‘80s, and now settles comfortably in the mid-ranks, never too common yet never quite gone. Parents often say it feels both classic and contemporary, a sweet spot echoed by modern icons like genre-bending songstress Janelle Monáe. Picture a little Janelle: part book-lover, part boundary-pusher, the kind of child who can turn a rainy afternoon into a rainbow of ideas. If you’re looking for a name that marries timeless grace with a dash of artistic flair, Janelle might be the hidden gem your story is waiting for.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as juh-NEL (/dʒəˈnɛl/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Janelle
| Janelle Monáe Robinson is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress with numerous Grammy nominations and prestigious awards. |
| Janelle Pierzina is an American reality TV star known for her multiple seasons on Big Brother and other shows, including co-winning Snake in the Grass in 2022. |
| Janelle Asselin is an American former comic book editor and writer who founded the defunct Rosy Press and now works as a claims adjuster in Omaha, Nebraska. |
| Janelle Mae Frayna is a Filipina chess player who became the Philippines' first Woman Grandmaster in 2017 and is a three-time national women's champion. |
| Janelle Taylor is an American author celebrated for her historical romance novels. |
| Janelle Commissiong - Janelle "Penny" Commissiong is a Trinidadian politician, model, and beauty queen who won Miss Universe in 1977. |
| Janelle Brown is an American novelist. |
| Janelle Shepherd is a five-time Australian judo champion in the women's heavyweight division, training with the University of New South Wales Judo Club under coach John Buckley. |
| Janelle Smiley is an American ski mountaineer and mountain climber. |
| Janelle Adams is an American professional basketball player for the Canberra Capitals in the WNBL. |
