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Juan

♂ Boy

Pronounced HWAHN /xwɑːn/High

Meaning: God is gracious — Spanish form of John, from Hebrew <em>Yochanan</em>High

In 30 seconds: The classic Spanish form of John, carrying the ancient Hebrew message 'God is gracious.' Juan has been one of the most beloved names in the Spanish-speaking world for over a millennium, and a U.S. top-100 staple for generations.
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Origin HighSpanish, Hebrew
MeaningGod is gracious — Spanish form of John, from Hebrew <em>Yochanan</em>
Peak year2005
Total births (all-time)≈ 344,846

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200518802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Juan is the Spanish form of Johannes (Latin), from Greek Iōannēs, from Hebrew Yochanan — meaning 'God is gracious' or 'Yahweh has shown favor.' John and all its cognates (Ian, Evan, Ivan, Sean, Giovanni) share this root. Juan became the dominant form in Spain and Latin America following Christianization.

Juan has been among the most common names in Spanish-speaking countries for centuries. In the U.S. it has ranked in the top 100 boys' names for decades, strongly representing the Hispanic population. It is the name of numerous Latin American leaders, artists, and saints.

Did you know? Don Juan, the legendary libertine of Spanish literature, first appeared in Tirso de Molina's play El burlador de Sevilla (c. 1630) and has inspired operas by Mozart and poems by Lord Byron.

Variations

JohnGiovanniIvanSeanEvan

Nicknames

Juanito

Famous Bearers

  • ★Juan Rulfo (1917–1986)
    Mexican novelist and short-story writer, one of the most influential in Latin American literature.

If you like Juan…

Jose— the other great pillar of Spanish masculine naming, equally timeless
Luis— top Spanish classic with the same compact strength
Carlos— enduring Spanish royal name of the same cultural weight
Miguel— beloved Spanish classic with the same broad cross-generational appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Juan mean?

Juan is the Spanish form of John, from the Hebrew <em>Yochanan</em> meaning 'God is gracious.'

How do you pronounce Juan?

Juan is pronounced HWAHN /xwɑːn/ — one syllable, with the Spanish 'J' pronounced like an English 'H'.

Is Juan a boy or girl name?

Juan is a masculine name. Its feminine form is Juana.

How popular is Juan?

Juan has been in the U.S. top 100 boys' names for decades and is one of the most popular names in the Hispanic community.