Janet - Name Meaning and Origin

The girl's name Janet \j(a)-net\ is pronounced JAN-et. It is of Scottish origin. Originally a diminutive of Jane, from the French Jeanette. Janeta and Jonet are earlier forms. Actresses Janet Leigh, Janet Gaynor; singer Dame Janet Baker; swimmer Janet Evans; figure skater Janet Lynn.

Janet has 21 variant forms: Gianetta, Janeta, Janeth, Janett, Janetta, Janette, Janit, Jannet, Janneth, Janetta, Jannette, Janot, Jenetta, Jenette, Jennet, Jennette, Jinnet, Jinnett, Johnetta, Johnette and Jonette.

For more information, see also related names Anjanette, Jan, Jennie, Jessie and Sinead.

Baby names that sound like Janet are Anet, Annet, Jandy, Janita, Junot, Waneta and Wyanet.

Janet is a very popular female first name and a very rare surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the girl's name Janet. Click here to compare Janet with related baby names.