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Johnson

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Johnson Pronunciation

Johnson is pronounced JON-sun /ˈdʒɑn.sən/High

Meaning: From the surname Johnson, 'son of John' — John from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'High

In 30 seconds: One of the world's great surnames, worn out front: Johnson means 'son of John' — 'God is gracious'. Presidential, all-American, and weighty with history. A bold surname-name.

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Origin HighEnglish, Hebrew

MeaningFrom the surname Johnson, 'son of John' — John from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'

U.S. rank (2024)#3547 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births32 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2000

Total births (all-time)≈ 6,987

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Johnson comes from the English patronymic surname 'son of John' — John from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'. Among the most widespread surnames in the English-speaking world, it crosses to a first name in the surname-name tradition, carrying presidential and literary weight.

It registers thinly as a first name. Rare in that use, gracious at the root, and sturdily American.

Did you know? Johnson is one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world — and two U.S. presidents (Andrew and Lyndon) carried it — all tracing back to plain John, 'God is gracious'.

Overall data confidence 82%

Surname dictionaries — Johnson — patronymic etymology

Variations

JohnstonJonson

Nicknames

JohnSonny

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Johnson…

Jameson— a fellow -son surname-name

Jackson— the companion 'son of Jack' name

Emerson— another -son crossover name

Jaxston— another English name

Benton— shares the -on ending

→ See all names like Johnson

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Johnson?

Johnson is pronounced JON-sun (/ˈdʒɑn.sən/). Press play above to hear Johnson said aloud.

How do you say Johnson?

Johnson is said JON-sun (/ˈdʒɑn.sən/). Press play above to hear Johnson said aloud.

What does the name Johnson mean?

Johnson means 'son of John', John being Hebrew for 'God is gracious'.

Is Johnson a boy or girl name?

Johnson is a boy's name.

How popular is Johnson?

Johnson is a rare first name in the U.S.