Girl · Hebrew · New Testament · Biblically inspired

Janelle

juh-NEL · means “The Lord is gracious”

Janelle is a modern elaboration of Jane, meaning "the Lord is gracious." It is not itself found in Scripture, but it carries forward the same root as John the Baptist, whose unlikely birth to Elizabeth and Zechariah was one of the New Testament's clearest pictures of grace given at just the right time.

“But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John."”

The story behind the name

Janelle grew popular across the United States in the mid-twentieth century, valued for combining a classic root with a fresh, softer ending.

John the Baptist's parents had waited years without an answer to their prayers, until the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and told him plainly that his prayer had been heard (Luke 1:13). The child born to them would go on to prepare the way for the Messiah himself.

John later described his own role with striking humility, saying that he was not worthy even to untie the sandals of the one coming after him (Mark 1:7). A daughter named Janelle carries both grace received and humility offered back to God.

Middle names that sing with Janelle

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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