John is a classic masculine given name of English origin, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, which means "God is gracious" or "Yahweh has been merciful." This name has been widely used throughout history and across various cultures.
The name John first appears in the New Testament of the Bible, where it was borne by several characters including John the Baptist, who was a major religious figure. This association with Christianity contributed to the popularity of the name John in Europe during the Middle Ages.
In England, the name John became especially popular during the reign of King John Lackland (1199-1216). He was known for his role in the Magna Carta and is remembered as one of the less illustrious kings of England. Despite this, the name John remained a favorite among the English nobility and was frequently used throughout subsequent generations.
Throughout history, many notable figures have borne the name John, including writers such as John Milton and Jonathan Swift, explorers like John Cabot and Sir John Franklin, and historical figures like John F. Kennedy and John Lennon. These individuals have contributed to the enduring appeal of this classic name.
In modern times, John remains one of the most popular names for boys in many English-speaking countries. It is a timeless choice that conveys strength, tradition, and simplicity all at once. Whether you're drawn to its historic significance, biblical roots, or simply appreciate its straightforward sound, choosing the name John ensures your child will have a strong, recognizable name with deep historical ties.
Based on the provided statistics, the name John saw significant popularity from around 1880 to the early 1960s, with peaks in the late 1880s and early 1890s (ranging between 37,000 to 54,000 births per year). However, its popularity began declining steadily after the 1960s. Between 1960 and 2000, the number of newborn boys named John averaged around 10,000 to 20,000 births per year.
In recent years (2000-2023), the name John has seen a further decline in popularity, with fewer than 10,000 newborn boys named John each year. The lowest point was reached in 2023, with only 7,750 births recorded.
Overall, from its peak in the late 1880s to the most recent data in 2023, the popularity of the name John has decreased by approximately 96%.