John
John is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “God is gracious”, pronounced JAHN. It ranked #23 in the United States in 2025, given to 8,027 babies, and peaked at #1 in 1880. Common nicknames: Johnny, Jack, Jon.
How popular is John in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does John mean, and where does it come from?
John derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious," and stands as one of the oldest and most continuously used names in Western civilization. It was borne by John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, and the apostle John, traditionally credited with a Gospel and the Book of Revelation. For much of the last thousand years, John was the single most common male name across the English-speaking world, only ceding its top position in the twentieth century. Despite modern trends favoring novel spellings, John endures as a name of profound historical and religious weight.
How is John used around the world?
John is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for John?
Famous People Named John
- John Lennon — English musician and co-founder of the Beatles
- John F. Kennedy — 35th President of the United States
- John Legend — American singer-songwriter
Similar Names to John
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Sibling Name Ideas for John
Looking for names that pair well with John? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name John mean?
John is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is gracious." John derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious," and stands as one of the oldest and most continuously used names in Western civilization. It was borne by John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, and the apostle John, traditionally credited with a Gospel and the Book of Revelation.
How do you pronounce John?
John is pronounced JAHN. Common variations include Jonathan, Johan, Ian.
Is John a boy name?
Yes, John is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Johnny, Jack, Jon.