John
Meaning: God is gracious — blessed with divine kindness
Origin: Hebrew — from Yochanan (יוֹחָנָן): Yah (God) + chanan (to be gracious)
Gender: Boy
Rank in Ireland: #1
Total births: 73,225
History: Within Irish culture, John carries the lyrical quality that makes Irish naming one of the most distinctive traditions in the world.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #29 |
| Babies named John in 2025 | 164 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 73,225 |
| Peak year | 1964 (3,696 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #1 |
| Years in records | 1964–2025 (62 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 3 spots |
Frequently asked about John
What does the name John mean?
John means “God is gracious — blessed with divine kindness” from Hebrew — from Yochanan (יוֹחָנָן): Yah (God) + chanan (to be gracious) roots.
What is the origin of the name John?
John has Hebrew — from Yochanan (יוֹחָנָן): Yah (God) + chanan (to be gracious) origin. The traditional meaning is “God is gracious — blessed with divine kindness”.
How popular is John in Ireland?
John ranked #29 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 164 babies that year.
When was John most popular?
John peaked in 1964 with 3,696 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is John a boy or girl name?
John is predominantly a boys' name in Ireland — over 90% of Johns in registered births are male.
How long has John been recorded in Ireland?
John appears in birth records in Ireland across 62 years — from 1964 through 2025.