John is a highly popular boys' name in United States, ranking #27 in 2011 with 11,065 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 22,186 births ranking #15. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 50.1%. In 2011, approximately 1 in every 172 boys born was named John. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
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.