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John

The name John has Hebrew origins, coming from 'Yochanan' which means 'Yahweh is gracious.' It is significant in Christian tradition due to its association with John the Baptist and John the Apostle. The name has been widely adopted across various cultures and languages due to its biblical significance.

IPA: /dʒɒn/ · Simplified: jahn

Male
Hebrew
Jewish/Christian
Middle East/Europe
classic
strong
timeless
reliable

70/100

Popularity

Falling

10-Year Trend

6

Countries

2015

Peak Year

Meaning of John

Etymology, origin story, and cultural significance.

The name John has Hebrew origins, coming from 'Yochanan' which means 'Yahweh is gracious.' It is significant in Christian tradition due to its association with John the Baptist and John the Apostle. The name has been widely adopted across various cultures and languages due to its biblical significance.

Does John flow with your last name? — Run the surname compatibility check

How to pronounce John

IPA notation and a simplified pronunciation guide.

IPA: /dʒɒn/ · Simplified: jahn

Nicknames for John

Common diminutives and short forms used in everyday life.

Johnny
Jack
J
Jon

John name popularity

Popularity score over the last 10 years and countries where this name is popular.

20152016201720182019202020212022202320240255075100

Popular in Countries

Top countries where this name is most common.

85

United States

80

United Kingdom

78

Australia

76

Canada

74

Ireland

72

New Zealand

International Forms

How this name appears across different languages and cultures.

Juan

Jean

Johannes

Giovanni

Ivan

Sean

Eoin

Ioan

Names like John

Names with a similar feel you might also like.

Collections featuring John

Curated name lists where this name appears

Personality

Traits and perception commonly associated with this name.

John is often perceived as dependable and trustworthy, with a strong sense of honesty and integrity. People with this name are thought to be leaders and have an innate ability to inspire those around them. The timeless nature of the name suggests a character that is both grounded and adaptable.

Name Day

Traditional celebration date for this name.

Not traditionally celebrated

Famous people named John

Well-known figures who share this name.

J

John F. Kennedy

35th President of the United States (1917-1963)

J

John Lennon

Member of The Beatles, influential musician (1940-1980)

J

John Steinbeck

American author and Nobel Prize winner (1902-1968)

Frequently asked questions about John

Quick answers on meaning, gender, popularity, and nicknames.

What does John mean?
Here is the meaning behind John: The name John has Hebrew origins, coming from 'Yochanan' which means 'Yahweh is gracious.' It is significant in Christian tradition due to its association with John the Baptist and John the Apostle. The name has been widely adopted across various cultures and languages due to its biblical significance.
Is John a boy or girl name?
John is traditionally a boy's name, though naming customs vary between cultures and families.
How popular is John?
John scores 70/100 on Namelia's popularity index, with a peak around 2015.
What are good nicknames for John?
Popular nicknames for John: Johnny, Jack, J, Jon.
What names are similar to John?
Names similar to John: Jonathan, Jack, James, Joseph — close in sound, origin, or style.

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