John Meaning and Definition

John

John

Pronunciation

/dʒɑn/, /dʒɔn/

Part of Speech

Proper Noun, Common Name

Definition

A John is a given name and surname of ancient Hebrew origin, derived from the name Yochanan, meaning “God is gracious.” It is commonly associated with a masculine name, often used in conjunction with the surname, e.g., John Smith.

Examples

1. “John is a popular given name among Americans and Europeans.”

2. “John Smith is a well-known business executive.”

Synonyms

None

Antonyms

None

Etymology

The name John is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning “God is gracious.” It has been a popular name in the Western world since the Middle Ages and is still widely used today.

Usage Notes

As a given name, John is often used in formal and informal settings, including formal events, business meetings, and everyday conversations. As a surname, it is commonly encountered in surnames, e.g., John Smith, and may be seen in various contexts, such as business, sports, or academia.

Cultural References

John is referenced in various cultural texts, including literature, music, film, and television. For example, John Smith is a well-known character in the Disney movie “Pocahontas,” while John Lennon was a famous musician and member of the Beatles.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“John Doe” is a common placeholder name used in legal and medical contexts to refer to an unknown or unidentified individual.

Collocations

The name John is often paired with surnames such as Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, Jones, and Davis.

Frequency of Use

The name John is a highly popular given name in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is often found in top 10 lists of most popular given names.

Common Misspellings

Jon, Joyn, Johny, and Jhon are common misspellings of the name John.

Related Words