Janis is a feminine given name of Lithuanian origin, derived from the name Jane or Yana, which is ultimately derived from the Latin name Iohannes, meaning "God is gracious." It gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century and was notably associated with Janis Joplin, an American rock singer-songwriter who became known as one of the premier female vocalists of her generation. However, it's important to note that this name does not have any specific association with festivals or personality traits related to those bearing this name.
The name Janis experienced a significant peak in popularity between the late 1930s and early 1950s, with over 1,000 births per year from 1936 to 1956. However, its usage has declined steadily since then, with fewer than 50 births reported annually since the mid-1980s. In recent years, there have been single-digit numbers of babies named Janis each year, indicating that it is now quite rare.