Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Janice
GirlEnglish, Hebrew· “elaboration of Jane; God is gracious”
- Meaning
- elaboration of Jane; God is gracious
- Origin
- English, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- JA-nihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,522
- US babies 2025
- 70
- Best rank
- #21 (1951)
- Peak year
- 1951
Meaning and origin of Janice
Janice is an English and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “elaboration of Jane; God is gracious”.
Janice began as an elaboration of Jane, which in turn comes from Johannes and the Hebrew name meaning "God is gracious." The name gained wide attention after Paul Leicester Ford's historical novel Janice Meredith, set during the American Revolution, became a best seller around the turn of the twentieth century. From there it became a familiar American name through the middle of the century. Today Janice has a warm, mid-century feel, the kind of name many people associate with a favorite aunt or teacher. Jan and Jannie are classic nicknames. Parents who enjoy vintage choices may find it ripe for rediscovery alongside names like Joyce and Doris.
Popularity over time
Janice first appears in US Social Security records in 1894. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 109 different years, starting in 1899. Its best national rank was #21 in 1951, the same year it reached its highest count of 15,958 babies. In 2025, 70 babies were named Janice, and it ranked #2,522 nationally. That is 65% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #254 in 1920, #22 in 1950, #257 in 1980, #744 in 2000, #1,052 in 2010, and #2,522 in 2025. Of the 406,448 US girls named Janice since records began, 33% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 118,893 babies. Since 2010, 2,317 more have been named Janice.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Christine, Gail, Kathryn, Ellen, and Marsha.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Janice ranked highest in Ohio, New York, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | #1340 | 6 |
| New York | #1730 | 7 |
| California | #2178 | 9 |
| Texas | #2501 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Janice is usually pronounced JA-nihs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-ce”.
Middle names for Janice
A few middle names that flow with Janice: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Janice
Similar names
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Lists that include Janice
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Janice mean?
Janice is an English and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “elaboration of Jane; God is gracious”.
What is the origin of the name Janice?
Janice has English and Hebrew roots. Janice began as an elaboration of Jane, which in turn comes from Johannes and the Hebrew name meaning "God is gracious." The name gained wide attention after Paul Leicester Ford's historical novel Janice Meredith, set during the American Revolution, became a best seller around the turn of the twentieth century.
Is Janice a popular name?
Not especially. Janice ranked #2,522 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Janice a boy or girl name?
Janice is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Janice?
Janice is usually pronounced JA-nihs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings