Jan: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Name days are a deeply rooted tradition in many parts of Europe, celebrated as an alternative or complement to birthdays, honoring the saint or liturgical event associated with a given name. The name Jan, originating from the ancient Hebrew meaning "God is gracious," embodies a classically strong and sophisticated temperament. This robust name has a powerful linguistic history, serving as the common equivalent of John across numerous Central and Northern European languages. Reflecting its immense popularity and deep ecclesiastical ties, Jan boasts an exceptionally large number of observed name days throughout the calendar year. These frequent celebrations occur across many countries, including documented dates in Poland, Sweden, Czechia, and Austria.

Name Day: Dates by Country

Jan's name day is celebrated
on January 10 in Poland,
January 11 in Sweden,
January 17 in Poland,
January 23 in Poland,
January 31 in Poland,
February 4 in Poland,
February 5 in Poland,
February 8 in Poland,
March 5 in Poland,
March 8 in Poland,
March 17 in Poland,
March 27 in Poland,
March 28 in Poland,
March 30 in Poland,
April 13 in Poland,
May 6 in Poland,
May 10 in Poland,
May 12 in Poland,
May 15 in Poland,
May 21 in Poland,
May 22 in Poland,
May 23 in Poland,
May 24 in Poland,
May 27 in Poland,
June 12 in Poland,
June 16 in Poland,
June 24 in Czechia, Estonia, Poland, Slovakia (Ján) and the USA,
June 26 in Poland,
August 9 in Poland,
August 13 in Poland,
August 19 in Poland,
August 20 in Poland,
August 29 in Poland,
September 3 in Poland,
September 11 in Poland,
September 24 in Norway,
September 28 in Poland,
October 1 in Poland,
October 9 in Poland,
October 23 in Poland,
November 13 in Poland,
November 24 in Poland,
November 26 in Poland,
December 2 in Austria and
December 27 in Poland.

The Story Behind This Name

The name Jan has maintained a modest, yet persistent presence within the USA, often favored by families tracing heritage back to Central or Northern Europe. Its usage in America typically reflects the cultural continuity sought by immigrants arriving from countries such as the Netherlands, Poland, or Scandinavia. Historically, the periods of highest usage for Jan in the US often correspond with major waves of European immigration during the early and mid-20th century. While it is less frequent than its full English equivalent, the short, sharp structure of Jan appeals to those seeking a simple, traditional moniker. In the US context, it is occasionally mistaken for the shortened feminine form of Janet, though its primary history is distinctly masculine.

Name origin and meaning

The name Jan is fundamentally a compact, one-syllable form derived from the Late Latin name Ioannes. This root name traces its lineage back to the ancient Hebrew name Yehochanan, which holds profound religious significance. The underlying linguistic components of the name essentially translate to the devotional meaning, “Yahweh is gracious” or “God has favored.” This powerful theological meaning ensured its enduring popularity and widespread adoption across diverse linguistic groups throughout historical Europe. Consequently, Jan functions as a direct cognate of names like John, Juan, Jean, and Johan, cementing its status as a truly international classical name.

Name Identity: Gender Classification

Globally, the name Jan presents a distinct duality regarding its gender identity, often depending heavily on the specific regional context. In many Slavic and Germanic countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands, Jan is overwhelmingly classified and used as a masculine name. Conversely, in English-speaking countries, the identical spelling is often adopted as a feminine short form or occasionally a standalone name, usually stemming from Janice or Janet. Therefore, while historically dominant as masculine across Europe, the name can be classified as functionally unisex when viewed internationally. The standard European pronunciation usually maintains its strong male association, contrasting with the soft English feminine usage.

The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality

The name Jan conveys a strong, simple, and inherently classic mood due to its historical ubiquity. It carries a tone of reserved confidence and intellectual clarity, reflecting its deep cultural roots across centuries of European history. The short, one-syllable structure lends it a robust and assertive personality without becoming overly formal or ostentatious. While deeply traditional, the name avoids feeling antiquated, lending a subtle elegance rooted in practicality and straightforwardness. Overall, the resulting vibe is strong, sophisticated, and minimalist, appealing to a pragmatic yet thoughtful temperament.

Mirror Magic: Jan & Naj

Some names hold a hidden surprise—when reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.

See also: Naj: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Jan

Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.

Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name

Destiny number: 7 – The Seeker.
Keywords: Introspection, wisdom, spirituality, knowledge, analytical thinking.
Positive Traits: Deep thinker, philosophical, intuitive, intellectual, private.
Challenges: Can be aloof, secretive, or overly skeptical.
Life Path Meaning: A spiritual and intellectual journey of deep self-discovery.

Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights

First name number: 7 - The Seeker.
Traits: Intellectual, spiritual, analytical, mysterious.
Strengths: Deep thinker, intuitive, philosophical.
Challenges: Can be isolated, skeptical, or struggle with emotional openness.

The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You

The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Neptune - Spirituality, Dreams, Creativity.
Neptune is the planet of mysticism, dreams, and intuition. Names ruled by Neptune tend to belong to highly imaginative, artistic, and spiritually attuned individuals. These names reflect deep emotional sensitivity, creativity, and an affinity for the unseen or mystical. People with Neptune-ruled names are often drawn to artistic and spiritual pursuits.

Name days: Name Jan

This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Poland	January	10	Agaton, Dobrosław, Jan, Nikanor, Paweł, Wilhelm
Sweden	January	11	Jan, Jannike
Poland	January	17	Antoni, Jan, Rościsław
Poland	January	23	Emerencja, Ildefons, Jan, Klemens, Maria, Rajmund, Rajmunda, Wrócisława
Poland	January	31	Cyrus, Euzebiusz, Jan, Ksawery, Ludwik, Marceli, Marcelin, Marcelina, Piotr, Spycigniew, Wirgiliusz
Poland	February	4	Andrzej, Gilbert, Jan, Joanna, Józef, Mariusz, Weronika, Witosława
Poland	February	5	Adelajda, Aga, Agata, Albin, Izydor, Jakub, Jan, Justynian, Paweł, Piotr, Strzeżysława
Poland	February	8	Gniewomir, Gniewosz, Honorat, Jan, Ksenofont, Lucjusz, Paweł, Piotr, Salomon, Sebastian, Żaklina
Poland	March	5	Adrian, Adrianna, Fryderyk, Jan, Pakosz, Pakosław, Wacław, Wacława
Poland	March	8	Beata, Filemon, Jan, Julian, Miligost, Miłogost, Stefan, Wincenty
Poland	March	17	Gertruda, Harasym, Jan, Patrycjusz, Patryk, Regina, Rena, Zbigniew, Zbygniew, Zbyszko
Poland	March	27	Benedykt, Ernest, Ernestyn, Jan, Lidia, Rościmir, Rupert
Poland	March	28	Aniela, Antoni, Jan, Krzesisław, Sykstus
Poland	March	30	Amelia, Aniela, Częstobor, Jan, Kwiryn, Kwiryna
Poland	April	13	Hermenegild, Hermenegilda, Ida, Jan, Justyn, Małgorzata, Przemysł, Przemysław
Poland	May	6	Benedykta, Benita, Dytrych, Gościwit, Jan, Judyta, Jurand
Poland	May	10	Antonin, Częstomir, Izydor, Jan, Symeon, Wiktoryna
Poland	May	12	Domicela, Domicjan, Dominik, Epifani, Flawia, Jan, Jazon, Joanna, Pankracy, Wszemił
Poland	May	15	Afanazy, Atanazy, Berta, Cecyliusz, Czcibora, Dionizja, Izydor, Jan, Nadzieja, Ruprecht, Strzeżysław, Zofia
Poland	May	21	Donat, Donata, Jan, Kryspin, Przecława, Pudens, Tymoteusz, Walenty, Wiktor, Wiktoriusz
Poland	May	22	Emil, Helena, Jan, Julia, Krzesisława, Rita, Wiesław, Wiesława, Wisława
Poland	May	23	Budziwoj, Dezyderiusz, Dezydery, Emilia, Iwona, Jan, Leontyna, Michał, Symeon
Poland	May	24	Cieszysława, Estera, Jan, Joanna, Maria, Mokij, Wincenty, Zula, Zuzanna
Poland	May	27	Beda, Izydor, Jan, Juliusz, Lucjan, Magdalena, Radowit
Poland	June	12	Antonina, Bazyli, Jan, Leon, Onufry, Wyszemir
Poland	June	16	Alina, Aneta, Benon, Budzimir, Jan, Justyna, Ludgarda
Czechia	June	24	Jan
Estonia	June	24	Annes, Ants, Hannes, Hans, Jaan, Jan, Janno, Johan, Johannes, Juhan, Juho, Jukk, Juss, Kanek
Poland	June	24	Dan, Danisz, Danuta, Emilia, Jan, Wilhelm
Slovakia	June	24	Ján
USA	June	24	Giovanna, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Jana, Jean, Jeanette, Jeannette, Johan, John, Johnnie, Johnny, Juan, Juana, Juanita, Sean, Shana, Shane, Shanna, Yancy
Poland	June	26	Jan, Jeremi, Jeremiasz, Paweł, Zdziwoj
Poland	August	9	Jan, Klarysa, Miłorad, Roland, Roman, Romuald
Poland	August	13	Diana, Dianna, Gertruda, Helena, Hipolit, Hipolita, Jan, Kasjan, Radomiła, Wojbor
Poland	August	19	Bolesław, Emilia, Jan, Julian, Juliusz, Ludwik, Piotr, Sebald
Poland	August	20	Bernard, Jan, Sabin, Samuel, Samuela, Sieciech, Sobiesław, Szwieciech, Świeciech
Poland	August	29	Flora, Jan, Racibor, Sabina
Poland	September	3	Antoni, Bartłomiej, Bazylissa, Bronisz, Bronisław, Erazma, Eufemia, Eufrozyna, Izabela, Jan, Joachim, Joachima, Manswet, Mojmir, Szymon, Wincenty, Zenon, Zenona
Poland	September	11	Feliks, Jacek, Jan, Naczesław, Prot
Norway	September	24	Jan, Jens
Poland	September	28	Jan, Laurencjusz, Luba, Lubosza, Marek, Nikita, Salomon, Sylwin, Wacław, Wacława, Wawrzyniec, Więcesław
Poland	October	1	Benigna, Cieszysław, Dan, Danisz, Danuta, Igor, Jan, Remigiusz
Poland	October	9	Arnold, Arnolf, Atanazja, Bogdan, Dionizjusz, Dionizy, Jan, Ludwik, Przedpełk
Poland	October	23	Iga, Ignacja, Ignacy, Jan, Marlena, Odilla, Roman, Seweryn, Teodor, Włościsław, Żegota
Poland	November	13	Arkadiusz, Arkady, Brykcjusz, Eugeniusz, Jan, Mikołaj, Stanisław, Walentyn
Poland	November	24	Dobrosław, Emilia, Emma, Flora, Franciszek, Gerard, Gerarda, Gerhard, Jan, Mina, Protazy, Pęcisław
Poland	November	26	Delfin, Dobiemiest, Jan, Konrad, Konrada, Lechosław, Lechosława, Leonard, Sylwester
Austria	December	2	Bibiana, Jan, Lucius
Poland	December	27	Cezary, Fabia, Fabiola, Jan, Radomysł

Name days: Similar names (Jan)

Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Croatia	January	5	Emilijana, Miljenko, Radoslav
Croatia	January	7	Lucijan, Rajmund, Zorislav
Poland	January	7	Chociesław, Izydor, Julian, Lucjan, Walenty
Croatia	January	9	Julijan, Miodrag, Živko
Poland	January	9	Antoni, Bazylissa, Borzymir, Julian, Julianna, Marcelina, Marcjanna
Latvia	January	10	Dorisa, Karmena, Tatjana
Spain	January	11	Alejandro, Guillermo, Higinia, Higinio, Hortensia, Modesto
Austria	January	12	Ernst, Tatjana, Xenia
Poland	January	12	Antoni, Arkadiusz, Arkady, Benedykt, Czech, Czechasz, Czechoń, Czesław, Czesława, Ernest, Ernestyn, Greta, Reinhold, Tycjan
Croatia	January	19	Ljiljana, Mario, Marta
Croatia	January	20	Fabijan, Sebastijan
Croatia	January	21	Agneza, Janja, Neža
Croatia	January	23	Ema, Emerencijana, Milko, Vjera
Poland	January	25	Miłosz, Miłowan, Miłowit, Paweł, Tacjanna, Tatiana
Croatia	January	27	Angela, Pribislav, Vitalijan
Poland	January	27	Angelika, Ilona, Jan Chryzostom, Julian, Przybysław
Spain	January	30	Alejandro
Croatia	February	2	Marijan
Poland	February	11	Adolf, Adolfa, Adolfina, Alf, Bernadetta, Dezydery, Eufrozyna, Lucjan, Maria, Olgierd, Łazarz, Świętomira
Croatia	February	12	Damjan, Eulalija, Reginald
Croatia	February	16	Julijana, Miljenko, Onezim
Croatia	February	18	Angelico, Flavijan, Gizela, Šimun
Poland	March	2	Absalon, Franciszek, Halszka, Helena, Henryk, Januaria, Krzysztof, Lew, Michał, Paweł, Piotr, Radosław, Symplicjusz
USA	March	3	Alasdair, Alastair, Alec, Alejandra, Alejandro, Alex, Alexa, Alexander, Alexandra, Alexandria, Alexia, Alexis, Alexus, Ali, Alondra, Dale, Darnell, Lex, Lexi, Lexie, Lexus, Sandra, Sandy, Sasha, Xander, Zander
Hungary	March	5	Adorján, Adrián
Croatia	March	10	Emil, Emilijan, Krunoslav
Croatia	March	12	Bernard, Budislav, Maksimilijan
Poland	March	13	Bożena, Ernest, Ernestyn, Kasjan, Krystyna, Marek, Roderyk, Rodryg, Rodryk, Trzebisław
Croatia	March	14	Borka, Matilda, Miljana
Croatia	March	16	Hrvoje, Miljan
Spain	March	20	Alejandra, Claudia
Croatia	March	21	Kristijan, Vesna, Vlasta
Spain	March	27	Alejandro, Lilia, Ruperto
Denmark	April	8	Janus
Poland	April	8	Apolinary, Cezary, Cezaryna, Dionizy, Gawryła, January, Radosław, Sieciesława
Finland	April	12	Janna, Janni, Julia, Juliaana, Julius, Juuli, Juulia
Croatia	April	14	Maksim, Valerijan
Croatia	April	20	Janja, Marcijan
Norway	April	21	Jannike, Jeanette
Finland	April	23	Jiri, Jori, Jyri, Jyrki, Yrjänä, Yrjö
Spain	May	3	Alejandro, Estela, Evencio, Felipe, Juvenal, Teódulo, Violeta
Sweden	May	3	Jane, John
Croatia	May	4	Cvijeta, Cvjetko, Florijan
Poland	May	4	Florian, Grzegorz, January, Michał, Monika, Paulin, Strzeżywoj
Latvia	May	14	Aiva, Duda, Elfa, Krisjanis, Kriss
Poland	May	16	Andrzej, Honorat, Jan Nepomucen, Jędrzej, Szymon, Trzebomysł, Ubald, Wieńczysław, Wiktorian
Spain	May	18	Alejandra, Félix, Próspero
Poland	May	19	Augustyn, Celestyn, Iwo, Mikołaj, Piotr, Potencjana, Pękosław
Czechia	May	24	Jana
Spain	May	29	Alejandro, Justo, Teodosia
Hungary	May	30	Janka, Zsanett
Poland	June	1	Alfons, Alfonsyna, Bernard, Fortunat, Gracjana, Hortensjusz, Jakub, Konrad, Konrada, Magdalena, Nikodem, Symeon, Świętopełk
Poland	June	4	Bazyliusz, Dacjan, Franciszek, Gościmił, Karol, Karp
Croatia	June	8	Cecilija, Dijana, Medardo, Vilim
Estonia	June	9	Elar, Haljand, Hallar, Helar, Helari, Hellar
Poland	June	9	Felicjan, Pelagia, Pelagiusz
Croatia	June	10	Bl. Ivan Dominici, Dijana, Margareta
Poland	June	13	Antoni, Chociemir, Herman, Lucjan, Maria Magdalena, Tobiasz
Poland	June	17	Adolf, Adolfa, Adolfina, Agnieszka, Alf, Drogomysł, Franciszek, Laura, Marcjan, Radomił, Rainer, Wolmar
Croatia	June	18	Ljubomir, Marcelijan, Marko
Finland	June	24	Jani, Janne, Johannes, Juha, Juhana, Juhani, Juho, Jukka, Jussi
Latvia	June	24	Janis, Zanis
Hungary	June	26	János, Pál
Croatia	June	28	Irenej, Smiljan
Norway	July	9	Gøran, Jøran, Ørjan
Sweden	July	9	Jörgen, Örjan
Poland	July	10	Aleksander, Amelia, Aniela, Filip, January, Radziwoj, Rufina, Samson, Sylwan, Sylwana, Witalis
Poland	July	12	Andrzej, Euzebiusz, Feliks, Henryk, Jan Gwalbert, Paweł, Piotr, Tolimir, Weronika
Poland	July	17	Aleksander, Aleksy, Andrzej, Bogdan, Dzierżykraj, Januaria, Julietta, Leon, Marceli, Marcelina, Maria Magdalena
Poland	July	18	Arnold, Arnolf, Erwin, Erwina, Kamil, Karolina, Robert, Roberta, Szymon, Unisław, Wespazjan
Croatia	July	20	Ilija prorok, Ilijana
Norway	July	21	Jane, Janne, Johanne
Croatia	July	24	Kristina Bols., Mirjana
Croatia	August	4	Ivan M. Vianney, Ivica, Tertulijan
Poland	August	6	Felicysym, Jakub, January, Stefan, Sykstus, Sława, Wincenty
Croatia	August	13	Hipolit, Ivan Berchmans, Poncijan
Croatia	August	14	Alfred, Maksimilijan Kolbe
Estonia	August	15	Hanna, Jaana, Jaanika, Jana, Janika, Janne, Jenny, Johanna, Nanna
Austria	August	17	Gudrun, Hyazinth, Janine
Latvia	August	21	Janina, Linda, Sidnejs
Slovakia	August	21	Jana
USA	August	21	Gianna, Jane, Janelle, Janessa, Janet, Janette, Janice, Janie, Janine, Janiya, Jayne, Shanice, Sheena
Poland	August	22	Cezary, Dalegor, Fabrycjan, Fabrycy, Hipolit, Hipolita, Maria, Namysław, Oswald, Oswalda, Tymoteusz, Zygfryd
Croatia	September	16	Cipirijan, Kornelije
Austria	September	19	Igor, Januarius
Croatia	September	19	Emilija, Januarije
Poland	September	19	Alfons, Alfonsyna, January, Konstancja, Sydonia, Teodor, Więcemir
Croatia	September	26	Damir, Damjan, Kuzma
Croatia	October	3	Evald, Kandid, Maksimilijan
Croatia	October	5	Flavijan, Miodrag, Rajmund of Capua
Croatia	October	11	Bruno K., Emilijan
Poland	October	20	Budzisława, Irena, Jan Kanty, Kleopatra, Wendelin, Witalis
Poland	October	26	Dymitriusz, Ewaryst, Eweryst, Lucyna, Ludmiła, Lutosław, Łucjan
Estonia	November	13	Krister, Kristjan, Kristo, Risto
Finland	November	15	Janette, Janika, Janina, Janita
Croatia	November	19	Janja Asiška, Krispin, Matilda
Poland	November	21	Albert, Alberta, Albertyna, Janusz, Konrad, Konrada, Maria, Piotr, Regina, Rena, Rufus, Twardosław, Wiesław
Croatia	December	2	Bibijana, Blanka
Poland	December	3	Franciszek, Kasjan, Ksawery, Lucjusz, Unimir
Latvia	December	15	Jana, Johanna
Croatia	December	16	Florijan, Izak, Jolanda, Lazar
Croatia	December	17	Bosiljko, Dražen, Gacijan, Rufo
Poland	December	18	Bogusław, Gracjan, Gracjana, Laurencja, Wilibald, Wszemir
Croatia	December	26	Ivan ev., Ivo, Janko
Hungary	December	27	János

Jan a strong, timeless choice

In conclusion, Jan is a powerful, concise name derived from the classic root meaning "God is gracious." Its gender classification is notably regional, functioning primarily as a strong masculine name in Continental Europe but often appearing as a feminine form in Anglophone areas. The name's mood is characterized by traditional strength and sophisticated simplicity, granting it a timeless and resilient quality. Culturally, Jan has maintained historical relevance, particularly in the US among immigrant populations seeking cultural continuity. Furthermore, the celebration of Jan's name day is a widespread tradition, documented across dozens of unique dates throughout the calendar year in various European nations.

When Is Your Name Day?

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