Named by God

John

Meaning and Origin

The name 'John' is derived from the Hebrew name 'Yohanan,' meaning 'Jehovah is a gracious giver' or 'God is gracious.' Its linguistic roots trace back to the Old Testament, where names often reflected divine attributes or blessings. 'Yohanan' was adapted into Greek as 'Ioannes' and later into Latin as 'Johannes,' which influenced its widespread use in Christian contexts. The name's historical context is deeply tied to its biblical usage, where it signifies individuals who were recipients or heralds of God’s grace and mercy.

Saint John the Baptist (Leoardo da Vinci, c. 1507–1516, Louvre, Paris)

Saint John the Baptist (Leoardo da Vinci, c. 1507–1516, Louvre, Paris)

Name John in languages of the Bible

John in languages of the Bible

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Popularity Analysis

The name John enjoys widespread popularity across the globe, found in 201 countries with notable prevalence in South Africa, Uganda, and Ireland. Its enduring appeal stems from its biblical roots and its association with revered Christian figures. Variants like 'Juan,' 'Jean,' 'Giovanni,' and 'Johann' reflect its linguistic adaptation across cultures, maintaining its spiritual and historical significance. Today, John remains a popular choice for boys' names in Christian communities, symbolizing faith, grace, and a connection to biblical heritage.

CountryVariantRank
South AfricaJohannes2
UgandaJohn2
IrelandJohn2
New ZealandJohn2
CameroonJean2
RwandaJean2
HaitiJean2
Bolivia, Plurinational State ofJuan2
South SudanJohn2
VanuatuJohn2
MadagascarJean2
SurinameJohn2
BelizeJohn2
Central African RepublicJean2
Saint LuciaJohn2

Showing top 15 of 201 records

Biblical and Cultural Significance

John is one of the most significant names in the Bible, associated with key figures like John the Baptist, John the Apostle, and John Mark. John the Baptist, a cousin of Jesus, is revered as the forerunner of Christ, preparing the way through his call for repentance and baptism. His Divine Proximity Index of 95.4/100 reflects his strong association with God, while his Jesus Circle Score of 99.7/100 underscores his close connection to Jesus. John the Apostle, often called 'the disciple whom Jesus loved,' is credited with writing the Gospel of John, the Johannine Epistles, and Revelation. His spiritual significance lies in his intimate relationship with Jesus and his role in shaping early Christian theology. John Mark, traditionally identified as Mark the Evangelist, contributed to the spread of Christianity through his missionary work and authorship of the Gospel of Mark.

Biblical Context

The name John appears prominently in both the Old and New Testaments, linked to individuals who played pivotal roles in biblical narratives. John the Baptist emerges as a prophetic voice, calling people to repentance and baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River—a moment marked by the descent of the Holy Spirit. John the Apostle, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, is a witness to Christ's transfiguration, crucifixion, and resurrection, offering unique insights into Jesus’ teachings and divine nature. John Mark is mentioned in Acts and the Epistles as a companion to Paul and Barnabas on missionary journeys, highlighting the name’s association with evangelism and service. Across 153 biblical verses, the name John signifies devotion to God's mission and a profound connection to divine revelation.

Divine Proximity Metrics

God Proximity

SNA: 3.94 | Percentile: 95.37

Jesus Proximity

SNA: 12.99 | Percentile: 99.72

Biblical References

  • Mark 11:30
  • John 1:33
  • Luke 7:30
  • Matthew 11:11
  • Mark 6:16
John | Biblical Name Meaning | Named by God