John

What does the baby name John mean? Learn about what John means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

John - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of John
J-O-H-N, is a 4-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of John
JAHN
jon
Meaning of John
God is gracious, god is merciful, god's gracious gift.
Origin of John
The name 'John' has a long and storied history, dating back centuries. It finds its roots in the Hebrew name 'Yochanan', meaning 'God is gracious'. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to ancient times, with notable figures such as 'John' the Baptist and 'John' the Apostle. These biblical associations have contributed to the enduring popularity of the name.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of John
Anno
Eadan
Eadin
Ean
Eion
Eoghan
Eoin
Evan
Ewan
Ewen
Gian
Giannes
Gianni
Giannini
Giovanni
Hanan
Handel
Hannes
Hanno
Hannus
Hans
Hanschen
Hansel
Hansli
Hanz
Iain
Ian
Ioannes
Ivan
Ivann
Iwan
Jack
Jackie
Jan
Janek
Jankiel
Janko
Janne
Janos
Jansci
Jawaun
Jawon
Jean
Jeannot
Jehan
Jens
Joao
Jock
Johan
Johann
Johannes
Johnnie
Johnny
Jon
Jona
Jonatan
Jonate
Jonathan
Jontai
Jovan
Juan
Juanito
Juwan
Owen
Seamus
Sean
Seann
Shane
Shaughn
Shaun
Shawn
Vanek
Vanko
Vanya
Yanni
Yanno
Zane
Popularity of John
Throughout history, the name 'John' has experienced remarkable popularity. In fact, it has consistently ranked among the most popular names for boys in various cultures and time periods. In the United States, for example, 'John' held the top spot as the most common name for boys for over 400 years, from the late 19th century until the late 20th century.
John currently has 4210 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Joshua is slightly more popular than John.

Etymology of John

To truly understand the significance of a name, we must examine its linguistic roots. The name 'John' has its origins in the Hebrew language, as mentioned earlier. It has also been adapted into various languages, each with its own unique spelling and pronunciation. From the Latin 'Iohannes' to the Greek 'Ioannes', the name has transcended borders and cultures, retaining its essence throughout the ages.

Cultural Significance of John

The name 'John' holds cultural significance in numerous contexts. In Christian traditions, it is closely associated with 'John' the Baptist and 'John' the Apostle, both revered figures in the New Testament. Their influence has contributed to the name's popularity among Christian communities worldwide. Additionally, the name has been bestowed upon countless kings, saints, and historical figures, further cementing its cultural importance.