Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Johan
BoyScandinavian, German· “God is gracious”
- Meaning
- God is gracious
- Origin
- Scandinavian, German
- Pronunciation
- YOH-hahn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #572
- US babies 2025
- 516
- Best rank
- #451 (2008)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Johan
Johan is a Scandinavian and German name that means “God is gracious”.
Johan is the Scandinavian, Dutch and German form of John, from the Latin Johannes and ultimately the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning God is gracious. It has been a staple across northern Europe for centuries, borne by the Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff and many others. In Scandinavian languages it is pronounced YOO-hahn, while in the United States most people say YOH-hahn. It feels simple, clean and international. The name offers a subtle alternative to John for families with northern European roots. Hans and Jan are related short forms.
Other spellings with the same sound: Johann.
Popularity over time
Johan first appears in US Social Security records in 1910. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 28 different years, starting in 1998. Its best national rank was #451 in 2008, and the most babies received it in 2016, when 659 were named Johan. In 2025, 516 babies were named Johan, and it ranked #572 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,646 in 1920, #1,885 in 1980, #904 in 2000, #454 in 2010, and #572 in 2025. Of the 14,653 US boys named Johan since records began, 37% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 4,430 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Moses, Pierce, Nikolai, Raylan, and Nixon.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Johan ranked highest in New Jersey, Maryland, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #340 | 25 |
| Maryland | #373 | 14 |
| Nevada | #375 | 8 |
| Illinois | #384 | 28 |
| New York | #395 | 44 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Johan is usually pronounced YOH-hahn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with J and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Johann.
Middle names for Johan
A few middle names that flow with Johan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Johan
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Lists that include Johan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Johan mean?
Johan is a Scandinavian and German name that means “God is gracious”.
What is the origin of the name Johan?
Johan has Scandinavian, German, and Hebrew roots. Johan is the Scandinavian, Dutch and German form of John, from the Latin Johannes and ultimately the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning God is gracious.
Is Johan a popular name?
Yes. Johan ranked #572 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Johan a boy or girl name?
Johan is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Johan?
Johan is usually pronounced YOH-hahn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings