Janelle
Janelle is a girl name of American origin meaning “God is gracious”, pronounced juh-NELL. It ranked #801 in the United States in 2025, given to 340 babies, and peaked at #186 in 1979. Common nicknames: Nelle, Jan, Ellie.
How popular is Janelle in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Janelle mean, and where does it come from?
Janelle is an American elaboration of Jane, itself the English feminine of John — Hebrew Yochanan, "God is gracious" — extended with the French -elle ending that also produced Danielle and Michelle. It appears in birth records from 1912, entered the top thousand in 1931 and peaked in 1979. Janelle Monáe has given it a second life of sorts for a younger generation, in the way a single distinctive bearer sometimes can, though the name itself has kept drifting quietly down the charts.
How is Janelle used around the world?
Janelle is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 7+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Janelle?
Famous People Named Janelle
- Janelle Monáe — American singer, songwriter and actress
- Janelle Commissiong — Trinidadian model, the first Black Miss Universe
- Janelle James — American comedian and actress
Similar Names to Janelle
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Sibling Name Ideas for Janelle
Looking for names that pair well with Janelle? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Janelle mean?
Janelle is a girl name of American origin meaning "God is gracious." Janelle is an American elaboration of Jane, itself the English feminine of John — Hebrew Yochanan, "God is gracious" — extended with the French -elle ending that also produced Danielle and Michelle. It appears in birth records from 1912, entered the top thousand in 1931 and peaked in 1979.
How do you pronounce Janelle?
Janelle is pronounced juh-NELL. Common variations include Janel, Jenelle, Janella.
Is Janelle a girl name?
Yes, Janelle is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Nelle, Jan, Ellie.