John
John is a boy name that ranked #21 in the US in 2024. SSA records show it has appeared in official baby name data since 1880. Its best recorded rank was #1 in 1880.
Latest rank
#21
Peak rank
#1
Reached in 1880
Total recorded usage
5,163,958
Available where official count data exists
First recorded year
1880
What To Know About John
John is one of the clearest examples of a stable classic: plain, familiar, and broadly trusted. Its simplicity is exactly why some parents still prefer it over more decorated or trend-forward alternatives.
John sits inside the US top 100 in 2024, so it is widely familiar without being as saturated as the very top handful of names.
SSA data shows John appearing in official records as far back as 1880, which gives parents a concrete sense of how long the name has been in use.
Its strongest recorded US position was #1 in 1880, which helps frame whether today's ranking reflects a long plateau, a comeback, or a step down from an earlier peak.
Popularity Trend
Hover or tap a point for details. If a year is missing, the name was outside the published top list for that period.
Editorial Extras
Common nicknames: Johnny, Jack
Sibling style ideas: James, Joseph, Anna, Claire
Well-known namesakes: John Lennon, musician; John Steinbeck, writer
Page Notes
Pronunciation: JAHN
Origin: Hebrew
Editorial status: published
Confidence: high
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Sources
- US Social Security Administration baby names · https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/Popularity rankings, usage history, and trend data are derived from SSA datasets.
- Behind the Name · https://www.behindthename.com/Used to review origin and pronunciation guidance.