John: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced JAHN · 1 syllable
John means “God is gracious”, from Hebrew.
From Middle English John, Johan, Johannes, from Anglo-Norman Jehan, Johan, and also Old English Iohannes, both from Late Latin Iohannes, variant of Latin Ioannes, from Koine Greek (Ioannes), from Biblical Hebrew (Yohanan), perhaps contracted from a former (Y hohanan, “God is gracious”).
- Meaning
- God is gracious
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- JAHN
- US rank (2025)
- #23
- US babies a year
- about 8,028 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Classic, Biblical
- Nicknames
- Jack, Johnny
How popular is John?
John was the #23 name in the US in 2025, given to 8,033 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
Most popular in Alabama (#1), Mississippi (#3), Louisiana (#5), South Carolina (#6), Washington, DC (#7), Georgia (#8), Delaware (#9), Rhode Island (#9).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #23 |
| England & Wales | #150 |
| Scotland | #92 |
| Northern Ireland | #77 |
| Ireland | #31 |
| France | #731 |
| Norway | #160 |
| Canada | #80 |
| Australia | #128 |
How old are people named John?
Half of US adults named John are older than 61; most are between 26 and 84. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for John
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named John have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like John
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
- The most popular boy names in the US
- Classic boy names
- Vintage boy names
- Biblical boy names
- Hebrew boy names
- Short baby names (4 letters or fewer)
Questions about John
What does the name John mean?
John means “God is gracious”. It comes from Hebrew.
How do you pronounce John?
John is pronounced JAHN.
How popular is the name John?
John was the #23 name in the US in 2025, given to 8,033 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named John?
Half of US adults named John are older than 61. Most are between 26 and 84.