John
John first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1947, when 88,324 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 8,027.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is John popular?
Declining John is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1947 peak.
| 2020s | 48,370 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 102,800 | |
| 2000s | 161,104 | |
| 1990s | 240,151 | |
| 1980s | 321,150 | |
| 1970s | 402,612 | |
| 1960s | 713,394 | |
| 1950s | 797,922 | |
| 1940s | 711,614 | |
| 1930s | 487,950 | |
| 1920s | 564,052 | |
| 1910s | 376,311 | |
| 1900s | 84,590 | |
| 1890s | 80,664 | |
| 1880s | 89,949 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does John mean?
John comes from the Hebrew Yochanan, “Yahweh is gracious.” The most widespread of all Christian names, it was carried by John the Baptist and the apostle John, and appears in nearly every European language.
Nicknames for John
- Johnny
- Jack
- Jock
Variants & spellings
- Jon
- Johann
- Juan
Names like John
Hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with John
Popular Hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare John
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name John mean?
John means God is gracious. John comes from the Hebrew Yochanan, “Yahweh is gracious.” The most widespread of all Christian names, it was carried by John the Baptist and the apostle John, and appears in nearly every European language.
What is the origin of the name John?
John is of Hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce John?
John is pronounced “JON.”
Is John a boy or a girl name?
John is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is John a popular name right now?
John is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1947 peak.
How popular is the name John?
In 2025, John ranked #23 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name John most popular?
John was most popular in 1947, when about 88,324 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for John?
Common nicknames for John include Johnny, Jack, Jock.
What names are similar to John?
Names similar to John include James, Thomas, Peter, Paul.
What names go well with John?
Hebrew names that pair well with John include James, Michael, David, Mary, Matthew.