“A modern variant of 'Janice,' meaning 'God is gracious.'”
American origin · Girl name
♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls
#12688US 2023
7Births / yr
↓Falling
498All-time births
📅 Since 197700
How to pronounce Janissa
JAN·IS·uh
/ˈdʒæn.ˈɪs.ə/ · stress on JAN · 3 syllables
“A modern variant of 'Janice,' meaning 'God is gracious.'”
American origin · Girl name
What does Janissa mean and where does it come from?
Janissa is a contemporary name that emerged as a variation of Janice, gaining traction in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada during the late 20th century. The name Janice itself is derived from the Hebrew name Yehohānān, which means 'God is gracious.' Janissa retains this me
Cultural significance
Janissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a modern variant of 'janice,' meaning 'god is gracious.'.
Peak popularity
Reached #3986 in 1994 — currently #12688 in the US.
Falling — down 1144 spots — currently #12688 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1990–2023#12688 · Top 9.4%
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#12688
7
▼ down 1144 · -12% births
2021
#11544
8
▲ up 2208 · +33% births
2020
#13752
6
▼ down 4063 · -45% births
2015
#9689
11
▼ down 1280 · -21% births
2010
#8409
14
▼ down 754 · -7% births
2005
#7655
15
▼ down 2410 · -32% births
2000
#5245
22
▼ down 96 · +16% births
1995
#5149
19
▲ up 2559 · +73% births
1990
#7708
11
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Janissa
1995Rank #5149
22
#9093
↘Falling
1990 - 20239 years
The story of Janissa
Janissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 498 total births recorded, Janissa remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7708 in 1990, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12688 in 2023.
Janissa means "A modern variant of 'Janice,' meaning 'God is gracious.'" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Janissa?
Janissa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Janissa?
Janissa originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Janissa?
Janissa is a three-syllable name pronounced JH AE1 N IH1 S AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Janissa?
Janissa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Sibling names that pair with Janissa
For a sister
Janissa & Avery♡
Janissa & Madison♡
Janissa & Zoey♡
Janissa & Madelyn♡
For a brother
Janissa & Ethan♡
Janissa & Mason♡
Janissa & Matthew♡
Janissa & Madison♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#12688
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
—
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