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Last Name Janin

What is the origin of the last name Janin?

The surname Janin is of French origin. It comes from a given name Janin, which is a diminutive form of Jean, the French equivalent of John. This surname is found primarily in France and countries with significant French influence.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Janin

The meaning and origin of the last name Janin

The surname Janin is a variant of Jean or Jeanne, French forms of the Hebrew name John, which means "God is gracious" or "God has been gracious." The surname Janin originated as a nickname for individuals named Jean, often derived from a distinguishing characteristic, place of origin, or profession. Over time, it became hereditary and was passed down through generations in France and other French-speaking regions. Variations of the name include Jeanin, Genin, and Géhin, among others. The surname Janin is most common in France but can also be found in other countries with a significant French-speaking population, such as Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Janin

The surname Janin is primarily distributed across France and French-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in the northern part of the country, particularly around Picardy and Ardennes. It's also common in Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium. In France, it is ranked among the most common surnames, appearing in the top 500 list. The name may have origins linked to the Latin word "Januarius" or "Jehan", a diminutive form of Jean (John) in French. Over time, variations such as Janin, Jannequin, and Janneau have emerged. Outside France and Belgium, it is less frequent but can be found in other French-speaking countries like Switzerland, Canada, and some African nations due to historical migration and colonization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Janin

The surname Janin has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across different regions. Some common forms include Janin, Jinan, Jannin, Jeannin, Genin, and Gennin. These variations stem from the original French name which is derived from the personal name Jean or Jeanne, meaning "God is gracious." In some cases, it may also be spelled as Yannin, Giannini, or Gianni due to influences from other languages such as Italian and Greek. Additionally, there might be regional dialectal variations, such as Jennings in English-speaking regions. These different spellings all share a common ancestry but may have slight differences in pronunciation and meaning depending on the specific context.

Famous people with the last name Janin

Notable individuals with the surname Janin include:

1. Georges Janin (1879-1964), a French medievalist and specialist in Old French literature. He is best known for his work on the Roman de Renart, the oldest known French prose narrative.

2. Marcel Janin (1903-1995), a Swiss painter and printmaker. Known for his works in Fauvism and Expressionism, he was a member of the group Der Blaue Reiter.

3. Jean-Pierre Janin (born 1946), a French politician who served as Mayor of Le Havre from 2008 to 2014. He has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2014.

4. Louis Janin (1875-1938), a French archaeologist and epigrapher, known for his studies on ancient inscriptions from Egypt and other regions.

5. Jean-Louis Janin (born 1942), a French historian and essayist, specialized in the history of ideas, philosophy, religion, and science. He is also a regular contributor to Le Monde.

Genealogical research on the last name Janin

The surname Janin originates from France, specifically the Picardy region, where it is believed to have been first used as a nickname for someone who was jovial or cheerful, derived from the Old French "janin" meaning "young or lively." The name spread throughout France and subsequently to other parts of Europe due to migration. In the 17th century, a significant number of people with the surname Janin emigrated to Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Later, in the 19th century, many Janins immigrated to North America, particularly to Quebec, Canada, and the United States. Notable individuals bearing the name include French painter Adolphe-William-Edgar Janin (1837–1924), American football coach Dick Janowsky (born 1950), and Canadian ice hockey player Sylvain Janin (born 1963). The surname Janin remains prevalent in France, Canada, the United States, and other countries with French-speaking populations.

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 23 July 2025

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