Eoin

♂ Boy

Pronounced OH-in /ˈoʊ.ɪn/High

Meaning: Irish form of John — Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious' — borrowed directly from Latin Iohannes in the early Christian centuriesHigh

In 30 seconds: John as Ireland first received him: Eoin came straight from Latin scripture into Old Irish — centuries before Sean arrived via the Normans. Pronounced like Owen, spelled like a password.

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Origin HighIrish, Hebrew

MeaningIrish form of John — Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious' — borrowed directly from Latin Iohannes in the early Christian centuries

U.S. rank (2025)#2810 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births45 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,603

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Eoin is the older of Ireland's two Johns — borrowed from Latin Iohannes (Hebrew 'God is gracious') in the early Christian period, while Seán came later through Norman French. Scripture in Irish says Eoin Baiste, John the Baptist; history offers chieftains and scholars, and modern shelves offer Artemis Fowl author Eoin Colfer.

The spelling baffles Anglophones (it sounds like Owen, which may itself be a relative) and delights Gaeilgeoirí. American use is rare and heritage-proud.

Did you know? Irish has two Johns: Eoin (the early borrowing, used for the Baptist and Evangelist) and Seán (the later Norman-French arrival) — one language, two complete John traditions.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Eoin — Irish form background

Variations

SeanOwenEóin

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Eoin Colfer (1965–present)
Irish author of the Artemis Fowl series.

If you like Eoin…

Owen— the anglicized sound-twin and possible relative

Sean— Ireland's other John, by the Norman road

Eamon— a fellow Irish classic with tricky-lovely spelling

Cian— the companion Old Irish revival

Explore names like Eoin

By themeheritage biblical irish

By meaningGod / Divine Grace

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Eoin mean?

Eoin is the early Irish form of John, from Hebrew for 'God is gracious'.

How do you pronounce Eoin?

It's said OH-in /ˈoʊ.ɪn/ — two syllables, like Owen.

Is Eoin a boy or girl name?

Eoin is a boy's name.

How popular is Eoin?

Eoin is rare in the U.S. and steady in Ireland.