Joan
Joan first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 1932, when 21,044 girls were given the name.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Joan popular?
Vintage Joan is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1932.
| 2020s | 1,031 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 941 | |
| 2000s | 1,003 | |
| 1990s | 1,858 | |
| 1980s | 3,300 | |
| 1970s | 6,480 | |
| 1960s | 36,676 | |
| 1950s | 85,179 | |
| 1940s | 117,708 | |
| 1930s | 173,439 | |
| 1920s | 45,351 | |
| 1910s | 7,021 | |
| 1900s | 863 | |
| 1890s | 267 | |
| 1880s | 121 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Joan mean?
A medieval English feminine of John, from Old French Johanne, ultimately from Hebrew 'Yochanan' ('Yahweh is gracious'). Like Jane, it descends from John rather than from Hannah.
Names like Joan
english names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Joan
Popular english names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Joan
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Joan mean?
Joan means God is gracious. A medieval English feminine of John, from Old French Johanne, ultimately from Hebrew 'Yochanan' ('Yahweh is gracious'). Like Jane, it descends from John rather than from Hannah.
What is the origin of the name Joan?
Joan is of english origin.
How do you pronounce Joan?
Joan is pronounced “JOHN.”
Is Joan a boy or a girl name?
Joan is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Joan a popular name right now?
Joan is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1932.
How popular is the name Joan?
In 2025, Joan ranked #987 · U.S. boys and #1087 · U.S. girls in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Joan most popular?
Joan was most popular in 1932, when about 21,044 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Joan?
Names similar to Joan include Addison, Harper, Jane, Nancy, Avery.
What names go well with Joan?
english names that pair well with Joan include Dorothy, Nancy, Edward, Mason, Robin.