Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Jon has Hebrew origins, meaning 'God is gracious'. It evolved from Yochanan through various languages including Latin and Greek, before becoming Jon in Modern English. The name carries traits of friendliness and reliability and has biblical relevance through its connection to John. Jon has maintained popularity and is often seen as a warm and approachable name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/dʒɒn/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Jon is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, which means 'God is gracious'.
Meaning
God is gracious
Language Evolution
Yochanan (Hebrew), Iohannes (Latin), Johannes (Greek), John (Old English), Jon (Modern English)
Biblical Background
The name Jon does have biblical significance, as it is a diminutive form of John, who is a prominent figure in the Bible.
Historical Usage
Jon gained popularity in the English-speaking world as a short form of John, particularly during the Middle Ages, and it has remained a common name.
Variants & Derivatives
John, Jonathan, Johnny, Jonny
Modern Popularity & Image
Jon is perceived as a friendly and approachable name, often associated with warmth and reliability.
Famous People
Jon Bon Jovi, musician, Jon Stewart, comedian and television host, Jon Hamm, actor, Jon Snow, fictional character from 'Game of Thrones'
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,942 peak births in 1964
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Minnesota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (15 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 15 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1132nd of 7545 | 616 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 167th of 6773 | 16,944 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 111th of 7552 | 60,978 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 88th of 10718 | 52,293 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 202nd of 16616 | 23,467 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 432nd of 24088 | 9,842 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 778th of 23106 | 3,750 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6442nd of 9107 | 23 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2577th of 9204 | 215 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2333rd of 12526 | 431 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2995th of 19264 | 375 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 7171st of 27321 | 164 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 19768th of 35406 | 41 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
57.84% 819th/1416 |
57.00% 786th/1379 |
84.53% 2000th/2366 |
66.64% 761st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
8.02% 124th/1546 |
9.51% 148th/1556 |
12.45% 293rd/2353 |
8.79% 136th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
3.46% 77th/2227 |
4.28% 104th/2430 |
6.24% 178th/2853 |
2.59% 72nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
2.32% 68th/2937 |
3.04% 106th/3483 |
3.64% 128th/3518 |
2.05% 83rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.45% 164th/3685 |
4.42% 198th/4475 |
3.58% 186th/5194 |
3.66% 231st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
10.04% 460th/4582 |
8.44% 436th/5164 |
5.14% 376th/7313 |
7.07% 528th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
21.51% 857th/3984 |
17.72% 795th/4487 |
9.53% 650th/6822 |
14.72% 924th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
86.40% 2033rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
89.99% 2004th/2227 |
- |
76.97% 2196th/2853 |
100.00% 2775th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
88.63% 3118th/3518 |
63.92% 2585th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Minnesota across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1132nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 167th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 111th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 88th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 202nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 432nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 778th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6442nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2577th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2333rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2995th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7171st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 19768th out of 35406 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.