Johnny

God is gracious — a boy name of English origin

GenderBoy
OriginEnglish
MeaningGod is gracious
PronunciationJAH-nee

Popularity of Johnny in the United States

#458Rank in 2025
682Births in 2025
#45 in 1944Peak Popularity
↓ Declining10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Johnny

Johnny is the affectionate diminutive form of John, sharing its root in the Hebrew "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious." Long used as a nickname, Johnny has been given as a formal, independent first name since at least the nineteenth century, gaining a folksy, all-American charm through folk heroes like Johnny Appleseed. It carries a warm, approachable quality distinct from the more formal John, and has been favored by parents wanting a friendly, old-fashioned name with instant character.

Johnny Around the World

Johnny is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 61+ international variants.

Languages
EnglishDutch
Details

TypeMale given name

International Variants
IvoItalian
IvanFrench
JuanSpanish
HansGerman
IoanRomanian
JónIcelandic
Jógvan
GianItalian
HonzaCzech
JackEnglish
JonnyEnglish
JaanEstonian
GiovanniItalian
IonRomanian
JohannesGerman
SiônWelsh
EvanDutch
Yannis
JohnGerman
JóhannIcelandic
Ioannismultiple languages
SeánGoidelic
IeuanWelsh
JohanGerman
JohannGerman
JanGerman
JóhannesIcelandic
JonSpanish
JánosHungarian
JeanFrench
YannFrench
Jonnie
JoãoPortuguese
IvashkaBelarusian
IoannesLatin
Yvan
IfanWelsh
Giuàn
IvanoItalian
HannesGerman
HannsGerman
JoanCatalan
IoannRussian
IvánSpanish
JoannesDutch
XoánGalician
IanEnglish
YankaBelarusian
Yanni
Jehan
Joao
SeanEnglish
GianniItalian
Erwann
IwoPolish
JohannèsFrench
Jóhan
IwanGerman
Giovan
Yiannis
Janka

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Johnny

JohnJ

Famous People Named Johnny

  • Johnny Depp — American actor
  • Johnny Cash — American singer-songwriter
  • Johnny Carson — American television host

Similar Names to Johnny

If you like Johnny, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

BobbyJimmyTommySonnyDanny
Also consider:BobbyJimmyTommySonnyDanny

Sibling Name Ideas for Johnny

Looking for names that pair well with Johnny? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

RubySonnyDaisyFrankieBilly

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Johnny mean?

Johnny is a boy name of English origin meaning "God is gracious." Johnny is the affectionate diminutive form of John, sharing its root in the Hebrew "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious." Long used as a nickname, Johnny has been given as a formal, independent first name since at least the nineteenth century, gaining a folksy, all-American charm through folk heroes like Johnny Appleseed.

How do you pronounce Johnny?

Johnny is pronounced JAH-nee. Common variations include Johnnie, Jonny, Jonnie.

Is Johnny a boy name?

Yes, Johnny is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include John, J.

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