Johan is a name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name John, which means "God is gracious." It is a popular name in Sweden and Norway, as well as other Scandinavian countries.
The name Johan has a long history dating back to ancient times. It was used by several notable figures throughout history, such as Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, a Dutch lawyer and statesman who played a significant role in the Eighty Years' War against Spain. Another famous Johan is Johan Sebastian Bach, the renowned German composer of the Baroque period.
Today, Johan remains a popular choice for parents looking to give their child a name with strong Scandinavian roots and a rich historical background. Despite its origins, the name Johan has been embraced by people from all over the world, making it a truly global name.
It appears the popularity of the name Johan has seen significant fluctuations over time. In the early years, there were fewer than 10 births per year, but starting around the late 1960s and into the 1970s, there was a steady increase in popularity, with annual birth counts ranging from 15 to 30. The name reached peak popularity in the late 1990s to early 2000s, with over 400 births per year consistently for several years. However, since around 2016, there has been a decline in popularity, with fewer than 500 births recorded annually in recent years.