Jana
Jana: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Jana
- A female given name from Czech.
Etymology
From Czech Jana, ultimately from Koine Greek Ἰωάννα (Iōánna), from Hebrew יוֹחָנָה (Yôḥānāh, literally “God is gracious”), the feminized form of יְהוֹחָנָן (Yəhōḥānān) which produced John and its many doublets. As a placeholder name, cf. similar use of John and Jack and earlier use of Joan in the same role. Doublet of Ivana, Jane, Janice, Janis, Jean, Jeanne, Jen, Joan, Joanna, Joanne, Johanna, Juana, Shavonne, Sian, Siobhan, Shane, Shaun, Shauna, and Sheena.
How popular is Jana?
Since 1880, 46,185 girls and 38 boys in the U.S. have been named Jana (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #226 in 1961. Its highest rank for boys was #2945 in 1963. In 2025, 181 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Jana
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Czech girl names
Jana FAQ
What does the name Jana mean?
A female given name from Czech. From Czech Jana, ultimately from Koine Greek Ἰωάννα (Iōánna), from Hebrew יוֹחָנָה (Yôḥānāh, literally “God is gracious”), the feminized form of יְהוֹחָנָן (Yəhōḥānān) which produced John and its many doublets. As a placeholder name, cf. similar use of John and Jack and earlier use of Joan in the same role. Doublet of Ivana, Jane, Janice, Janis, Jean, Jeanne, Jen, Joan, Joanna, Joanne, Johanna, Juana, Shavonne, Sian, Siobhan, Shane, Shaun, Shauna, and Sheena.
What is the origin of the name Jana?
Jana is listed as a name of Czech origin.
How popular is the name Jana?
Since 1880, 46,185 girls and 38 boys in the U.S. have been named Jana (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #226 in 1961. Its highest rank for boys was #2945 in 1963. In 2025, 181 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Jana a boy or girl name?
Jana is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 46,185 girls and 38 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.