All about the name

Jon

Male

« Jon is a Hebrew name meaning 'gift of God,' popularized in the 19th century as an independent given name. »

#910 last year

Meaning, origin, history

Jon is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name Jonathan, which means "gift of God" or "given by God." The name Jonathan appears in the Old Testament of the Bible as the son of King Saul and the close friend of David, who later became king himself. The shortened form Jon has been used as an independent given name since the 19th century. It is a simple yet appealing choice for parents looking for a classic yet modern-sounding name for their child. In terms of popularity, Jon peaked in the mid-20th century and has since seen a decline in usage. However, it remains a solid and timeless option for parents who want to give their child a strong, masculine name with a rich history behind it. Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jon, including American jazz musician Jon Hendricks, British footballer Jonathan "Jon"ny Evans, and American actor Jon Favreau. These figures have helped to contribute to the name's lasting appeal and recognition.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Jon since 1880

Total births
167,622
Total since 1880
Peak year
1964
4,910 births
in 2023
253
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-4%
vs previous 5 years