Jana is a name of Slavic origin, particularly from the Czech Republic and other Slavic countries such as Poland, Slovakia, and Russia. It is a variant form of the male name Jan or John, which means "God is gracious" in Hebrew.
The name Jana has been used for centuries in Eastern Europe, with its popularity peaking in the mid-20th century. Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Jana, including Jana Novotná, a former tennis player who won multiple Grand Slam titles, and Jana Černá, a Czech actress known for her work in theater and film.
In recent years, Jana has gained popularity worldwide as parents seek unique yet timeless names for their daughters. While it may not be as common as some other female names, Jana has a distinct charm that sets it apart from the crowd. Its Slavic roots give it an exotic touch, while its Hebrew meaning makes it universally appealing.
In terms of pronunciation, Jana is typically pronounced with a long "a" sound, as in "father," and rhymes with words like banana or Mama. It's a simple yet elegant name that rolls off the tongue easily.
Overall, Jana is a beautiful and meaningful name with a rich history behind it. Whether you're looking for a unique name with Slavic roots or simply one that means "God is gracious," Jana could be an excellent choice for your little girl.
The name Jana experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike occurring during and after World War II. From 1942 to 1952, the number of annual births named Jana increased dramatically, peaking at 1457 births in 1961. However, since then, the popularity of this name has steadily declined, with only 200 births recorded in 2023. Overall, from 1921 to 2023, there were a total of 45830 Jana births in the given statistics.