Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Johnson
BoyEnglish· “surname, son of John”
- Meaning
- surname, son of John
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- JAHN-suhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,406
- US babies 2025
- 34
- Best rank
- #327 (1905)
- Peak year
- 2000
Meaning and origin of Johnson
Johnson is an English name that means “surname, son of John”.
Johnson is an English patronymic surname meaning son of John. John comes from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning God is gracious. Johnson is one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world, and it has been used as a given name since at least the nineteenth century. Notable bearers of the surname include Samuel Johnson, the eighteenth-century lexicographer, and two American presidents. It is said JAHN-suhn. As a first name, Johnson has a solid, traditional style. It fits alongside other surname names like Jackson and Harrison.
Popularity over time
Johnson has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 61 different years. Its best national rank was #327 in 1905, and the most babies received it in 2000, when 111 were named Johnson. In 2025, 34 babies were named Johnson, and it ranked #3,406 nationally. That is 55% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #809 in 1920, #1,044 in 1950, #1,249 in 1980, #1,216 in 2000, #2,197 in 2010, and #3,406 in 2025. Of the 7,021 US boys named Johnson since records began, 13% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 879 babies. Since 2010, 912 more have been named Johnson.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Griffen, Luiz, Jalil, Rohit, and Devion.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Johnson ranked highest in California and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #2088 | 7 |
| Texas | #2413 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Johnson is usually pronounced JAHN-suhn, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with J and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Johnson
A few middle names that flow with Johnson: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Johnson
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Lists that include Johnson
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Johnson mean?
Johnson is an English name that means “surname, son of John”.
What is the origin of the name Johnson?
Johnson has English roots. Johnson is an English patronymic surname meaning son of John.
Is Johnson a popular name?
Not especially. Johnson ranked #3,406 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Johnson a boy or girl name?
Johnson is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Johnson?
Johnson is usually pronounced JAHN-suhn. 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