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Last Name Jana

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What is the origin of the last name Jana?

The last name Jana is of Slavic origin, specifically Czech and Slovak. It is derived from the female given name 'Jana,' which means "God is gracious" in Hebrew. This surname has been adopted by individuals of various religious backgrounds. The use of surnames in the Czech and Slovak regions became widespread during the late Middle Ages, as part of efforts to organize populations for administrative purposes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jana

The meaning and origin of the last name Jana

The surname Jana is of Slavic origin, specifically Czech and Slovak, where it derives from a diminutive form of the female given name "Jana," which means God is gracious or God has been gracious in Slavic languages. The name Jana itself is a variation of Johanna or Joan, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan (John) and signifying God is gracious or merciful. Over time, as families migrated, the surname Jana became more prevalent in various parts of Europe, including Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Russia. In some cases, it may also be a variant of other Slavic names with similar sounding roots, such as Jan or Yan.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jana

The surname Jana has a significant presence in several regions worldwide, with distinct concentrations in different countries. In Asia, particularly in India and Nepal, Jana is a common family name, reflecting its historical roots in these cultures. In India, it is predominantly found across various states but is most frequent in the eastern state of Bihar and the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. In Nepal, it ranks among the top 200 most common surnames. Jana can also be found among Indian diaspora communities worldwide, particularly in countries with a large number of immigrants from India such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Moreover, in some parts of Europe, such as Finland and Russia, Jana is used as a given name and may appear as a surname due to patronymic naming conventions. However, it is less common compared to its prevalence in Asia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jana

The surname Jana has multiple variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include:

1. Janá - Czech feminine form
2. Johanna - German, Dutch, and Scandinavian origin (from Johannes)
3. Yoana - Bulgarian and Macedonian origin
4. Joan, Joanne - English, French, and Spanish origin
5. Zsófia Jánosné - Hungarian married name meaning "Sofia wife of John"
6. Giuliana, Julianna - Italian and Romanian feminine form
7. Hanáček, Hanačkovský - Slovak patronymic surname derived from the given name Jan or John
8. Janaev, Janyanov - Russian and Belarusian patronymics
9. Xana, Zana - Portuguese, Galician, and Welsh variant spellings
10. Yana - Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, and Jewish origin.

These variations can also have additional spelling differences based on regional dialects or transliteration from other languages. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a surname may depend on factors such as immigration history, cultural background, and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Jana

Notable individuals bearing the surname Jana include:

1. Marilyn Jana (born 1967), American actress and model, best known for her role as Tina on the television series "Growing Pains."
2. Miroslav Jana (born 1953), a Czech former tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 28 in 1979.
3. Hedwig Jana (1884–1960), Austrian painter and graphic artist, known for her woodcuts and etchings.
4. Jana Novotná (1968-1993), a Czech former professional tennis player who won 24 WTA singles titles and two Grand Slam titles in women's doubles.
5. Jana Kramer (born 1983), American actress, singer, and songwriter, best known for her roles on television series like "One Tree Hill" and "9-1-1."
6. Jana Sibera (born 1972), a Slovak actress who has appeared in films such as "Snow White: A Tale of Terror" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."
7. Jana Gertnerová (born 1969), Czech actress, known for her roles in movies like "The Pianist," "Fear X," and "Temple Grandin."

Genealogical research on the last name Jana

The surname Jana is of Slavic origin, derived from the diminutive form of the given name Jan or Ivan, which mean "God is gracious" in Slavic languages. The name has been commonly found in several Central and Eastern European countries, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Russia. In the Czech Republic, Jana is one of the most common surnames, likely due to its association with the popular given name Jana, which also means "God is gracious." Notable individuals with the surname Jana include Czech footballer Petr Jana, Slovak ice hockey player Marián Jána, and Russian-American classical pianist Vladimir Jabotinsky. Genealogical records suggest that the name originated in the medieval period, likely among the Slavic tribes that inhabited Central Europe during that time.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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