Johnson is an English surname and given name derived from the Middle English personal name John, which was itself derived from the Latin Iohannes. The name means "God is gracious". It has been a popular name throughout history, particularly in the United States where it ranked among the top 10 most common names for much of the 20th century.
The surname Johnson is one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries, with its roots tracing back to the medieval period. It was often given to sons of John or to those who worked as a janitor or bailiff, as 'John's son' or 'John's man'. The name has been associated with various notable individuals throughout history, including several U.S. Presidents such as Lyndon B. Johnson and Andrew Johnson.
As a given name, Johnson has been popular among families with English heritage. It reached its peak popularity in the United States during the early 20th century but has since declined somewhat in usage. Despite this, it remains a timeless and classic choice for parents looking to honor family tradition or simply give their child a strong, distinctive name.
In various cultures and languages around the world, Johnson is often translated or transcribed differently. For example, in Spanish it may be written as Juan or Juanito, while in Swedish it might appear as Johan or Jonsson (the latter being a patronymic surname). Despite these variations, the core meaning of "God is gracious" remains consistent across cultures.
In conclusion, Johnson is an historic and widely recognized name with deep roots in English-speaking countries. Whether used as a first name or surname, it carries a sense of tradition and familiarity while also offering opportunities for personal interpretation and variation depending on cultural context.
"The name Johnson was consistently popular over these years with an average of five babies being named Johnson each year."