Ioan is a traditional male given name of Romanian origin, derived from the Latin Ioannes, which means "God is gracious." It was brought to Romania by the Romans during their occupation of Dacia. In Romania, Ioan is one of the most popular names, and it has been consistently among the top ten names for boys in recent years.
The name Ioan has a long history and has been used throughout Europe for centuries. Some notable figures with this name include Ioan I Muresanu, a Romanian bishop and theologian who lived in the 17th century, and Ioan Petru Culianu, a Romanian historian of religion and philosopher known for his work on esotericism.
In English-speaking countries, Ioan may be anglicized to John or Jon. However, it is often used as originally spelled due to its unique sound and connection to Romania's rich history and culture. Parents choosing this name may appreciate its traditional yet distinctive character, as well as its Romanian heritage.
In 1917 alone, five babies were named Ioan. Across all years combined, the total number of newborns bearing this name amounts to exactly five.