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 has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States. From just five births recorded in 1921, it reached its peak in 1961 with 1,457 newborn girls named Jana. However, since then, there has been a steady decline in its usage.
Interestingly, Jana's popularity spiked during World War II, reaching 307 births in 1947 and peaking at 846 births in 1954, which could potentially indicate a patriotic trend among parents. After the war, the name continued to gain popularity, with peaks occurring every few years until it reached its zenith in 1961.
However, beginning in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Jana's popularity started to decline significantly. By 2003, there were only 218 births recorded for girls named Jana, marking a dramatic decrease from its peak nearly four decades prior.
Despite this decline in usage, Jana has remained relatively stable since the late 2000s, with an average of around 250 births per year between 2007 and 2021. In recent years, Jana's popularity seems to have stabilized at a lower level, with approximately 200-250 births annually.
In total, over the past century (from 1921 to 2023), there were 45,830 girls named Jana born in the United States. While Jana's popularity has waned since its mid-century heyday, it still remains a recognizable and beloved name among many families.