NameCensus.

UK girl's name

Janita

A feminine name of Latin origin meaning "young" or "youthful".

For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2010. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.

Janita is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Janita popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2010 in this profile. In that release it ranked #5707, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 1997, with 4 births.

This profile covers 7 England and Wales registrations across 2 recorded years from 1997 to 2010. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.

The latest count is about 75% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.

We estimate that about 7 living people in the UK are called Janita. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2011 or 2026.

Key insights

  • Janita ranked #5707 for girls in England and Wales in 2010, with 3 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 1997, when 4 girls were registered as Janita.
  • About 7 living people in the UK are estimated to have Janita as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#5707

2010

Births in 2010

3

Latest year

Peak year

1997

4 births

Estimated living

7

2026

Meaning

What does Janita mean?

The name Janita originates from the Sanskrit language, with its roots tracing back to ancient India. It is believed to have derived from the word "jani," which means "born" or "given birth to." This etymological connection suggests that the name may have been bestowed upon newborn children, celebrating the precious gift of life.

In Hindu mythology, the name Janita finds resonance with the goddess Janaki, an avatar of the divine consort Sita. This association lends a spiritual significance to the name, symbolizing purity, devotion, and strength of character. However, it is crucial to note that the name's origins predate these mythological references, making its usage more widespread across various cultures and regions of the Indian subcontinent.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Janita can be traced back to the 7th century CE. It was borne by Janita, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and grammarian who made significant contributions to the study of the ancient language. Her treatises and commentaries on grammatical works have stood the test of time, solidifying her place in the annals of Indian literary history.

Throughout the centuries, the name Janita has been carried by numerous notable figures across various fields. In the 12th century, Janita Devi was a prominent Rajput queen renowned for her courage and diplomatic prowess. Her skillful negotiations helped maintain peace and stability in her kingdom during a tumultuous period.

During the Mughal era, Janita Begum was a celebrated poet and courtesan who graced the court of Emperor Akbar. Her poetic works, imbued with spiritual depth and literary finesse, have been preserved and studied by scholars of that era.

In more recent times, Janita Gandhi (1917-1986) was an influential Indian freedom fighter and social activist. She played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence, working alongside Mahatma Gandhi and advocating for women's rights and education.

Another notable figure was Janita Majumdar (1923-2011), a pioneering Indian scientist and biochemist. Her groundbreaking research on plant biochemistry and photosynthesis earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors.

These are just a few examples of the diverse individuals who have borne the name Janita throughout history, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural heritage.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Janita over time

The chart below shows babies named Janita registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1997 to 2010. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.

For Janita, the clearest high point is 1997. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2010, compared with 4 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Janita
01234199720032010

Decades

Janita by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Janita was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.

Decade Average rank Total births Years covered
2010s #5707 3 1
1990s #3174 4 1

Related

Names similar to Janita

FAQ

Janita: questions and answers

How popular is the name Janita in the UK right now?

In 2010, Janita was ranked #5707 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.

When was Janita most popular?

The peak year on record was 1997, with 4 babies registered as Janita in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Janita?

A feminine name of Latin origin meaning "young" or "youthful".

How many people are called Janita in the UK?

A total of 7 babies have been registered as Janita across the 2 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.

Which records is this page based on?

The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.