John is a classic and timeless male name of English origin. It has a strong and straightforward sound that has made it popular for generations. The name John is derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," which means "God is gracious." This biblical name has been used throughout history, making it one of the most common names in many countries around the world.
The name John first appeared in England during the Middle Ages when it was brought over by the Normans. It quickly became a popular choice for boys and has remained so ever since. In fact, some of history's most notable figures have been named John, including several kings of England, such as King John Lackland, who ruled from 1199 to 1216.
Throughout the centuries, various forms and variations of the name John have emerged. Some popular versions include Jonathan, Sean, Ian, and Johan. Despite these variations, all forms of the name are ultimately rooted in the original Hebrew meaning of "God is gracious."
Today, John remains a beloved and widely-used name for boys around the world. Its classic sound and strong history make it a popular choice for parents looking for a traditional yet timeless name for their sons. Whether it's spelled with one "n" or two, the name John carries with it a sense of strength, simplicity, and grace that has endured throughout generations.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name John in the United States from 1967 to 2022. The data shows a varied trend over the years.
From 1967 to 1974, there were consistently low numbers of babies named John each year, ranging from five to six births per year. However, starting in 1981, there was an increase in the number of newborns named John, with seven births that year and continuing with eight births in both 1983 and 1985.
The highest peak in popularity for the name John occurred between 1990 and 2002. During this time period, there were nine to ten births each year, with a total of 60 babies named John born between these years alone.
After 2002, the number of newborns named John started to decline once again, with five to seven births per year from 2004 to 2014. In recent years, the popularity of the name has remained relatively steady, with five births each year in both 2021 and 2022.
Overall, over the span of these 56 years, there were a total of 160 babies named John born in the United States. This data provides an interesting snapshot into the changing trends of baby names throughout different decades.