John
John: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /d͡ʒɒn/ · /d͡ʒɑn/
Meaning and origin of John
- A male given name originating from the Bible [in turn from Hebrew]; very popular since the Middle Ages.
Etymology
From Middle English John, Johan, Johannes, from Anglo-Norman Jehan, Johan, and also Old English Iohannes, both from Late Latin Iōhannēs, variant of Latin Iōannēs, from Koine Greek Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs), from Biblical Hebrew יוֹחָנָן (Yôḥānān), perhaps contracted from a former יְהוֹחָנָן (Yəhōḥānān, “God is gracious”). Doublet of Jack, Jon, Johan, Johann, Johannes, Jean, Sean, Shane, Shaun, Ian, Ivan, Evan, Juan, Giovanni, and Yahya.
How popular is John?
Since 1880, 21,744 girls and 5,182,633 boys in the U.S. have been named John (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #229 in 1880. Its highest rank for boys was #1 in 1880. In 2025 it ranked #23 for boys, with 8,033 babies given the name.
Names similar to John
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Hebrew boy names
Sibling name ideas for John
Sister and brother names that share John's Hebrew roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
John FAQ
What does the name John mean?
A male given name originating from the Bible [in turn from Hebrew]; very popular since the Middle Ages. From Middle English John, Johan, Johannes, from Anglo-Norman Jehan, Johan, and also Old English Iohannes, both from Late Latin Iōhannēs, variant of Latin Iōannēs, from Koine Greek Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs), from Biblical Hebrew יוֹחָנָן (Yôḥānān), perhaps contracted from a former יְהוֹחָנָן (Yəhōḥānān, “God is gracious”). Doublet of Jack, Jon, Johan, Johann, Johannes, Jean, Sean, Shane, Shaun, Ian, Ivan, Evan, Juan, Giovanni, and Yahya.
What is the origin of the name John?
John is listed as a name of Hebrew origin.
How popular is the name John?
Since 1880, 21,744 girls and 5,182,633 boys in the U.S. have been named John (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #229 in 1880. Its highest rank for boys was #1 in 1880. In 2025 it ranked #23 for boys, with 8,033 babies given the name.
Is John a boy or girl name?
John is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 21,744 girls and 5,182,633 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.