Johnson
Johnson: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈd͡ʒɑnsən/ · /ˈd͡ʒɒnsən/
Meaning and origin of Johnson
- A patrilineal surname transferred from the given name. The second most common surname in the United States.
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
A patronymic surname from John + -son, literally “son of John”. * In the U.S. the name Johnson has been adopted by numerous European immigrant families originally named Johansson, Johnsson, Johansen, Jonsson, etc. * Doublet of Johansson, Johansen, Jansen, and Hansen.
How popular is Johnson?
Since 1880, 22 girls and 7,021 boys in the U.S. have been named Johnson (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4340 in 1917. Its highest rank for boys was #327 in 1905. In 2025, 34 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Johnson
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Johnson
Sister and brother names that share Johnson's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Johnson FAQ
What does the name Johnson mean?
A patrilineal surname transferred from the given name. The second most common surname in the United States. A male given name transferred from the surname. A patronymic surname from John + -son, literally “son of John”. * In the U.S. the name Johnson has been adopted by numerous European immigrant families originally named Johansson, Johnsson, Johansen, Jonsson, etc. * Doublet of Johansson, Johansen, Jansen, and Hansen.
What is the origin of the name Johnson?
Johnson is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Johnson?
Since 1880, 22 girls and 7,021 boys in the U.S. have been named Johnson (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #4340 in 1917. Its highest rank for boys was #327 in 1905. In 2025, 34 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Johnson a boy or girl name?
Johnson is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 22 girls and 7,021 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.