Janning

Janning is a surname of German origin. It is believed to be a variant of the given name Johannes, which is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "God is gracious." The surname likely originated as a patronymic, indicating that the original bearer was the son of someone named Jan or Johann. Over time, this patronymic evolved into the fixed surname Janning. Like many European surnames, it was likely spread through migration and settlement across various regions.

Variations of the Janning surname exist in different spellings and phonetic adaptations, reflecting regional dialects and historical transcription practices. While it has German roots, individuals with the Janning surname can be found in many countries today due to historical patterns of emigration, particularly from Germany to North America and other parts of the world. The surname's prevalence varies geographically, with a higher concentration often found in areas with significant German heritage. Genealogical research is the primary method for tracing the specific lineage and history of any individual family bearing the Janning surname.