John is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #158 in 2023 with 334 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 1,649 births ranking #46. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 79.7%. In 2023, approximately 1 in every 828 boys born was named John. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
John is one of the most enduring names in the world and means "God is gracious". Its plain strength and enormous history have made it a cornerstone of naming across cultures.
The name spread through Jewish and Christian tradition and became central in Europe, later producing countless forms and variants. It feels simple, but few names have shaped naming history more deeply.