Name meaning & stats
John
John means “God is gracious” (Hebrew origin). 3,511,439 US babies since 1940, peak 1947. Notable Johns are 1.5× over-represented as politicians.
What it means
“God is gracious”
HebrewWell documented
Via Greek Ioannes and Latin.
In US birth records
Peak year: 1947
3,511,439 US babies were named John between 1940 and 2025.
Where Johns end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Politician | 1.5× | High · 1,329 people |
| Footballer | 0.9× | High · 750 people |
| Professor | 1.3× | High · 728 people |
| Writer | 1.1× | High · 580 people |
Among notable men who are politicians, Johns show up 1.5× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
John has a surprise career: 2.0×
Spelling family
John is the main spelling
Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.
Name twins (peaked around 1947)