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NamyLab

John

male
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"God Is Gracious"

Derived from Hebrew Yohanan via Greek and Latin, it became a dominant Christian name throughout Europe.

Themes:gracedivinebiblicalsaint
BiblicalClassicTraditionalTimeless

Fact-checked by Dr. Elena Vasquez

Ph.D. Medieval History, StanfordPublished Academic ResearcherHistory Professor (Adjunct) • Historical Names Consultant

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of John

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#21Top 50

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#21

John was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+5

better than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

John Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for John.

12 ideas
Jon
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Johnny
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Jack
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Jock
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john
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jo
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johny
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johnie
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johno
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johy
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JO
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jie
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Baby Name Lists That Include John

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes John, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

23 linked lists

Famous Johns

  • J
    John F. Kennedy
    35th President of the United States. Youngest elected president, his presidency and assassination had profound impact on American history.
  • J
    John Lennon
    English singer-songwriter and founding member of The Beatles. Pioneering musician whose influence revolutionized popular music.
  • J
    John Smith
    English colonial settler and explorer. Founding member of Jamestown, Virginia, crucial to early American colonial history.
  • J
    John Travolta
    American actor and dancer. Star of iconic films like 'Saturday Night Fever' and 'Pulp Fiction', multiple award nominee.
  • J
    John Grisham
    American novelist. Author of bestselling legal thrillers including 'A Time to Kill' and 'The Firm', adapted into blockbuster films.
  • J
    John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr.
    Lawyer, journalist, and publisher. Son of JFK, founded political magazine George, died in plane accident.
  • J
    John Adams
    Founding Father of the United States. Second President and key advocate for American independence.
  • J
    John Milton
    English poet and intellectual. Author of 'Paradise Lost', one of the greatest epic poems in English literature.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name John mean?
John means "God Is Gracious". Derived from Hebrew Yohanan via Greek and Latin, it became a dominant Christian name throughout Europe.
What is the origin of John?
John is of Hebrew origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name John?
According to the latest SSA data, John is currently ranked #21 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is John a boy name?
John is traditionally a boy name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for John?
Popular nicknames for John include Jon, Johnny, Jack, Jock, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to John?
There are many names similar to John in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginHebrew, Greek, English
Syllables1
Length4 letters
US Rank#21
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withJ

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Boy Names Like John

John has Hebrew roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Hebrew baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

John appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Timeless Classic Baby Names and Biblical Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Hebrew Baby Names and Names That Mean Grace.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how John pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement John beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.