Jana

Jana is a feminine given name used in many languages and cultures. In European contexts, it is common in Slavic and Germanic areas and is often seen as a local form of Jane or Joanna. The name is generally linked to the Hebrew name Yohanan (God is gracious), and over time has become established as an independent form in multiple languages.

The name has numerous variants and related forms, including Janae, Jan, Joana, Joanna, and Jane. Diminutives and affectionate forms also appear in different languages, contributing to its wide distribution. Jana is used in everyday naming across countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, and beyond, reflecting its flexibility as a cross-cultural name.

Notable people named Jana include Jana Novotná (1968–2017), a Czech former professional tennis player who achieved worldwide recognition, and Jana Kramer (born 1983), an American actress and country singer. These examples illustrate the name’s presence in diverse fields and regions.

Beyond people, Jana can appear in geographic and cultural contexts as a place name or part of toponyms in various regions. It may also be encountered as a surname or a component within larger proper names in some languages. Given its broad usage, Jana remains a widely recognized given name with a long-standing presence in many linguistic traditions.