JOHN  

Gender: M
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: "God is gracious"

Popularity in 2008: #20

For centuries the most popular of all boys' names, borne by saints, kings, and countless other illustrious notables. Still in the Top 20, but many of today's baby Johns get their names for family rather than stylistic reasons. Celebrities who have gone with this timeless choice include Michelle Pfeiffer, Bono, and Rob Lowe. Short form Jack is definitely more stylish today.

Variations:
Johnie, Jovonni, Jones, Jian, Jhon, Jonté, Jonny, Joen, Jackie, Jonnie, Johnnie, Jovanney, Johnny, Jhan, Jahn, Johan, Johne, Jon, Johnee, Jock, Juwan, Jianni, Jaxon, Jack, Johnson, Jonni, Johon, Jovanni

John is being discussed in our message boards:

• Best of British - some Telegraph birth announcements
• Mayflower Names!
• Poll: Once a Nickname... Always a Nickname???
• Triple A, Triple B, Triple C...Boys!
• Absurdly Long Baby Name Game=)!!!!!!

Read Nameberry blog posts about John:

• THE LOST NAMES OF 1880
• STAGE NAMES: Would You Change Your Name for Fame?
• SCOTTISH BABY NAMES: What's 'in' in Inverness?
• IRISH NAMES NOW: What's doing in Dublin?
• ELIZABETH: The Name That Has Everything?