142 Variations of John - Page 5
- Seanan
Origin:
Modern form of Senán or elaboration of Sean, IrishMeaning:
"little old one; God is gracious"Description:
Seanan might be considered an Anglicized form of Seanán, itself a modern form of Senán, an Old Irish name meaning "little old one", giving it a wise and ancient feel. The name of a 6th century saint and monk, Seanan might also be considered an elaboration or a diminutive of Sean, the Irish variation of John. By combining it with the -an suffix (meaning "descendent of" or more literally "little") it could be a way to freshen up the now well-travelled Irish name.
- Hannes
Origin:
German, Dutch, Scandinavian variation of JohannesMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Johannes never caught on in the US, but popular European short form Hannes may be more accessible.
- Zana
Origin:
Polish, Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, Latvian, AlbanianMeaning:
"God is Gracious; lily; voice, fairy"Description:
An international possibility, heard from England and Israel to Poland, Latvia, and Albania. It is a name with a vast range of possible meanings and origins, including: a Polish variation of Jane, meaning "God is Gracious"; a Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian short form of Susanna, meaning "lily"; a Persian name meaning "woman"; a Mongolian name meaning "bullfinch"; and a Shona name from Zimbabwe meaning "a hundred".
- Jehan
Description:
Jehan is a masculine name with medieval origins, representing an Old French variant of 'Jean,' which itself derives from the Hebrew name 'Yochanan' meaning 'God is gracious.' Popular during the Middle Ages in France, Jehan appears in historical documents and literature from that period. The name fell out of common usage by the 17th century when the modern form 'Jean' became standard. Today, Jehan has a distinctly antique and romantic quality, occasionally chosen by parents with an interest in medieval history or French heritage. Though rare in contemporary usage, it carries a sophisticated air and connects its bearer to a rich cultural history spanning several centuries.
- Ionela
Origin:
Romanian feminine form of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Popular in Romania and Moldova, this feminine form of John also lends itself to nicknames Nela and Nel.
- Jeanine
Origin:
French variation of JeanMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Together with the more common (in France) Jeannine spelling, this feminine form of Jean was most popular in the 1930s in its home country, and in the 1960s in the US. It's fallen off the Top 1000 list since, but perhaps cute retro nickname Jeannie could tempt some vintage-loving parents back.
- Ivana
Origin:
Feminine variation of IvanDescription:
A rarely used Slavic name until the Czech-born ex-Mrs. Trump took it over the top. Daughter's name Ivanka adds a dollop of charm.
- Ivančica
Origin:
Variation of Ivana, CroatianMeaning:
"God is Gracious; daisy"Description:
Strong but sparky, Ivančica is a Croatian name, that can be interpreted as a variation on Ivana and Ivanka, both international, feminine forms of John, or as a botanical name, derived from the Croatian word for "daisy".
- Oana
Origin:
Romanian short form of IoanaMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
An lesser-known member of the John-Joan family, though popular in its native habitat, has never emigrated, possibly due to its non-intuitive pronunciation.
- Jeanetta
Origin:
Variation of Jeanette, FrenchMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Jeanette is a fancification of Jeanne, Jeanetta makes it even fancier.
- Ionel
Origin:
Romanian, diminutive of JohnMeaning:
"god is gracious"
- St john
Origin:
English saint's nameDescription:
St. JOhn is mainly (but rarely) used by Catholics in England -- there's one in Jane Eyre. This would probably be too cumbersome for most American kids.
- Jukka
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Originally a Finnish nickname for Johannes, Jukka is very established as a standalone name in Finland nowadays. With its cute bouncy sound and cool -a ending, it makes for a really fun choice for a baby boy. Note that the soft J at the beginning makes an English Y sound.
- Giannis
Origin:
Modern Greek form of John, HebrewMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Gianni, the Italian form of Johnny, has gotten popular in the US, and there's a good chance Giannis will be next, thanks to rising star basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is Greek. It makes an original spin on John or Jonas - though, it should be noted that the traditional Greek pronunciation would be YAH-nees. Other spelling variations are Iannis and Yanis - the latter perhaps being popular in France and on the rise in the UK.
- Yannis
Origin:
Greek variation of JohnDescription:
As common in Greece as John is here.
- Janica
Origin:
Variation of JannikMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
With its upbeat Slavic/Scandinavian air, it has the most potential of all the Jan names.
- Eòin
Description:
Eòin is a Scottish Gaelic variant of John, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'God is gracious.' The distinctive spelling features a grave accent over the 'o' indicating a specific pronunciation in Gaelic, roughly as 'YO-in.' This name represents an important element of Scottish cultural heritage and linguistic tradition. While uncommon outside Scotland and Scottish diaspora communities, Eòin carries deep historical connections to Celtic Christianity and Highland culture. The name has maintained consistent usage in Gaelic-speaking regions rather than experiencing dramatic trends. For parents with Scottish heritage, Eòin offers a way to honor ancestral roots while choosing a name with ancient meaning and distinctive presentation.
- Jussi
Description:
Jussi is a Finnish male name that functions as a familiar form of Johannes, the Finnish variant of John. With roots in Hebrew, the original name Yochanan means 'God is gracious.' Jussi has been particularly popular in Finland, where it maintains cultural significance and is recognized as distinctly Finnish. The name gained broader recognition through famous Finnish tenor Jussi Björling (1911-1960), whose international opera career brought the name to wider attention. Though common in Finland, Jussi remains relatively uncommon outside Nordic countries. The name has a warm, approachable quality with its soft consonants and ending vowel. Despite limited international use, it represents Finnish naming traditions while being relatively easy for non-Finnish speakers to pronounce.
- Hovhannes
Description:
Hovhannes is the Armenian form of the name John, derived from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." This masculine name has deep historical roots in Armenian culture, where it has been used for centuries, particularly within the Armenian Apostolic Church. Many notable Armenian religious leaders, scholars, and historical figures have borne this name. Hovhannes remains especially popular in Armenia and among Armenian diaspora communities worldwide. The name carries strong cultural and religious significance, representing both national identity and Christian heritage. While maintaining its traditional appeal, some Armenian families outside Armenia might opt for the more internationally recognized variant John, while using Hovhannes in cultural contexts.
- Iain
Origin:
Gaelic variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Iain, this authentic Gaelic form of John, has been well used in Scotland since the early twentieth century, used concurrently with the shortened Ian spelling, but is rarely seen in the US.