Janie is a diminutive form of the name Jane, which is of English origin. The name Jane itself means "graced by God" and was popularized in medieval times through the character Lady Jane Grey, who briefly ruled England as its queen in the mid-16th century.
The name Janie began to gain popularity in the late 19th century, thanks in large part to the character of Janie Crawford in Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," published in 1937. In the story, Janie grows from a young girl into a confident woman who ultimately finds her own voice and independence.
While not as commonly used today as it was during the mid-20th century, Janie remains a unique and distinctive name that carries with it a rich history and cultural significance. It is often associated with strength, intelligence, and individuality, due in large part to its association with the character of Janie Crawford.
In terms of its popularity over time, Janie peaked in usage during the 1950s and 1960s, when it ranked among the top 1000 names for girls born in the United States. Today, however, it is used less frequently, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a name that is both classic and unique.
Overall, Janie is a name with deep historical roots and cultural significance, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking a meaningful and distinctive name for their daughter.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Janie experienced a significant increase in popularity during the early to mid-20th century, peaking between the years 1943 and 1953 with over 1400 births per year. However, since the late 1950s, there has been a steady decline in its usage, reaching an all-time low of just 111 births in 2020. Overall, the name Janie has seen a significant decrease in popularity over time, with total births dropping from a peak of nearly 3400 in 1950 to less than 200 in recent years.