Janek

Janek is a masculine given name of Polish origin. It is a diminutive form of Jan, the Polish equivalent of John. The given name Janek has been adopted in its own right, and is used across generations, particularly in Poland. The form ultimately derives from the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning "God is gracious." In Polish, the suffix -ek is a productive diminutive, giving Janek a familiar or affectionate nuance in everyday use.

Janek is common in Poland and among Polish communities abroad, reflecting the cultural prominence of the name John in Christian and secular contexts. While primarily masculine, the name sits within a family of related John-derived forms used in Central and Eastern Europe.

In Poland, name days are observed for John-derived names, and Janek participates in that tradition as part of the broader John-name calendar. The name is encountered in Polish literature, film, and media as a typical given name, and it remains in contemporary use for newborns.

Overall, Janek exemplifies how a familiar diminutive of a classic given name has evolved into a distinct personal name, carrying both cultural resonance and familiar connotations within Polish-speaking communities.