Janney is a unique and distinctive given name of French origin. It is derived from the French word "janot," which was used to refer to a simple-minded person or fool in medieval times. However, despite its potentially negative connotations, Janney has evolved over time to become associated with qualities such as wit, charm, and intelligence.
The first recorded use of the name Janney can be traced back to 16th-century France. It was used as both a given name for boys and as a surname. Over time, it became more commonly used as a given name for girls in France and other French-speaking regions.
In the United States, Janney is not one of the most popular names, but it has been used occasionally since the mid-20th century. According to some sources, there are fewer than 1,000 people with the first name Janney living in the U.S. today, making it quite rare.
Despite its rarity and unusual origin, Janney remains a unique and captivating name that carries a touch of French charm and sophistication. It is a beautiful choice for parents looking for something different for their daughter while still honoring its rich history and meaning.
The name Janney has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades, according to U.S. birth statistics. In 1947, there were only five births recorded with the name Janney. However, starting from 2005, the number of babies named Janney began to rise steadily.
In 2005, there were five births, which doubled by 2007 with twelve births that year. The trend continued with six births in 2009 and eight in 2011. Then, in 2012, the number of Janney births surged to twenty-one, indicating a growing preference for this unique name.
The year 2013 marked a significant turning point, with an unprecedented 224 babies named Janney born that year. This was more than ten times the number of births in any previous year. The popularity of the name continued to grow, reaching 128 births in 2014.
However, after this peak, the popularity of the name began to fluctuate somewhat but remained at a relatively high level. In 2015, there were fifty-two Janney births, which then increased slightly to fifty-seven in both 2016 and 2017. The number continued to rise, reaching sixty-six births in 2018.
The trend has continued into the most recent years, with fifty-five Janney births recorded in 2019, eighty-two in 2020, ninety-five in 2021, and fifty in 2022. Despite a slight decrease in popularity in recent years, Janney remains a popular choice for parents naming their children.
In total, from 1947 to 2023, there have been 968 babies named Janney born in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most common names, Janney has certainly carved out its place as a unique and appealing choice among U.S. parents.