Janak (जनक) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu boy-name meaning “Father; the king of Mithila”. This guide covers Janak’s meaning, origin, pronunciation, deity association, popularity and similar names.

What does Janak mean?

Janak means Father; the king of Mithila in Sanskrit. The name carries a serene devotional resonance — every Hindu name encodes a virtue, a deity or a cosmic principle.

Origin and Sanskrit script

Janak is written जनक in Devanagari. The Sanskrit mātṛkā (mother-syllables) preserve the sacred sound — important during the Namakarana Samskara.

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Pronunciation of Janak

Janak is pronounced as it is spelled in standard Hindi/Sanskrit and travels well across school registers, government forms and social settings in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.

Why parents choose Janak

Janak carries the timeless feel of classical Sanskrit and has been used in Hindu families for generations. It is a steadily popular Hindu boy-name with rising recognition in modern Indian and NRI families.

Quick facts about the name Janak

  • Gender: Hindu boy-name
  • Sanskrit: जनक
  • Meaning: Father; the king of Mithila
  • Origin: Sanskrit
  • Popularity: 65/100 in 2026

Janak in the broader Hindu devotional tradition

Janak draws from the classical Hindu tradition — a name written जनक in Devanagari, preserving Vedic-Puranic phonetic integrity. Hindu families who want a name that connects their child to the long arc of Indic devotional thought — from the Rigveda through the Puranas through the medieval bhakti movements — favour Janak.

Across the global Hindu diaspora — USA, UK, Canada, Australia — names like Janak carry quiet cultural authority. They travel well across English-speaking institutions while keeping the family's connection to classical Hindu tradition unmistakable in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions about Janak

Quick answers to the most common questions Hindu families ask about the name Janak.

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What does the name Janak mean?

Janak means Father; King Janaka in Sanskrit. The name is written जनक in Devanagari and is rooted in the classical Sanskrit tradition where every Hindu name encodes a virtue, a deity, or a cosmic principle.

Is Janak a Hindu boy or girl name?

Janak is a Hindu boy-name, commonly chosen by Hindu and Indian families in India and the global diaspora — including in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.

Which deity is associated with Janak?

Janak is associated with Lord Janaka. Choosing a deity-linked name is regarded as a lifelong sankalpa (intention) — every time the child's name is called, it becomes a soft remembrance of the divine.

Janak is a well-loved Hindu boy-name in 2026, especially among diaspora Hindu families who want a Sanskrit-rooted name that travels well internationally.

How do you pronounce Janak in English?

Janak is pronounced as it is spelled in standard Hindi/Sanskrit — even-syllabled and naturally rhythmic. It is easy for English speakers and travels well across school registers, government forms and social settings for Hindu families in the diaspora.

Jay · Jagannath · Jai · Jayesh · Jagadish · Jagdish

Browse the full A–Z directory of Hindu boy names on Hindutone, or jump to the J boy-names listing.