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Janis

Janis is a given name that can also function as a surname in some cases. In Latvian, Jānis is the male form of John and is one of the most common names in the country. The Latvian form derives from the Latin Ioannes, via Greek Ioannes, and ultimately from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." In English-speaking contexts, Janis is typically a feminine given name, often treated as a variant of Janet or Janice, though it has appeared as a surname as well.

As a given name, Janis has been borne by several notable people, including Janis Joplin, the influential

The form Jānis remains common in Latvia and the Baltic region, while Janis appears in English-language contexts;

American
rock
singer,
and
Janis
Ian,
the
American
singer-songwriter.
The
name
is
also
encountered
in
literature
and
media,
sometimes
in
forms
like
Janice
or
Janis.
both
reflect
the
same
historical
name
lineage.
The
name-day
tradition
is
observed
in
countries
that
celebrate
name-days,
alongside
broader
naming
customs.