Johann
BoyGerman, Hebrew· “God is gracious (form of John)”
- Meaning
- God is gracious (form of John)
- Origin
- German, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- YOH-hahn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,856
- US babies 2025
- 85
- Best rank
- #912 (2010)
- Peak year
- 2010
Meaning and origin of Johann
Johann is a German and Hebrew name that means “God is gracious (form of John)”.
German speakers know John as Johann, from the Hebrew Yohanan, 'God is gracious'. It has been borne by many famous German-speaking figures, including composer Johann Sebastian Bach, writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and composer Johann Strauss. Johann has a classic, cultured feel and is usually pronounced YOH-hahn. It works well for families with German heritage or a love of music and literature. Hans and Jo are traditional short forms. It pairs well with simple middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Johan.
Popularity over time
Johann first appears in US Social Security records in 1912. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 3 different years, starting in 2010. Its best national rank was #912 in 2010, the same year it reached its highest count of 222 babies. In 2025, 85 babies were named Johann, and it ranked #1,856 nationally. That is 38% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #4,633 in 1920, #1,365 in 1980, #1,621 in 2000, #912 in 2010, and #1,856 in 2025. Of the 4,869 US boys named Johann since records began, 32% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,257 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jayvion, Trystan, Isaak, Carsen, and Aarush.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Johann ranked highest in New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #1108 | 5 |
| New York | #1249 | 9 |
| Florida | #1300 | 9 |
| North Carolina | #1365 | 5 |
| Illinois | #1383 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Johann is usually pronounced YOH-hahn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with J and ends in “-nn”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Johan.
Middle names for Johann
A few middle names that flow with Johann: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Johann
Similar names
Lists that include Johann
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Johann mean?
Johann is a German and Hebrew name that means “God is gracious (form of John)”.
What is the origin of the name Johann?
Johann has German and Hebrew roots. German speakers know John as Johann, from the Hebrew Yohanan, 'God is gracious'.
Is Johann a popular name?
Not especially. Johann ranked #1,856 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Johann a boy or girl name?
Johann is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Johann?
Johann 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