A 1930s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Joan since 1880
Babies named Joan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 121 |
| 1890s | 267 |
| 1900s | 863 |
| 1910s | 7,021 |
| 1920s | 45,351 |
| 1930s | 173,439 |
| 1940s | 117,708 |
| 1950s | 85,179 |
| 1960s | 36,676 |
| 1970s | 6,480 |
| 1980s | 3,300 |
| 1990s | 1,858 |
| 2000s | 1,003 |
| 2010s | 941 |
| 2020s | 1,031 |
Meaning & origin
Joan is a name with deep historical roots and a quiet but steady presence in American naming. In 2025, the name ranks 1085th, with about 1 in 7,240 babies receiving it. This marks a continuation of its rising trajectory since 2010, a gentle revival after decades of lower usage. Joan peaked dramatically in 1932, reaching its highest popularity during the early 20th century, and its 1930s-era prominence is echoed in the current trend of rediscovering vintage names. The name's usage is most concentrated in Connecticut, Kansas, and Washington. Joan's legacy includes Saint Joan of Arc, the French heroine, and its meaning, 'God is gracious,' is shared with the widely used name John. Its crisp, one-syllable sound and unpretentious charm make it a favorite for those seeking a classic yet understated choice.
Joan originated as the medieval English feminine form of John, itself derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' In French, Joan historically served as a masculine name, notably borne by Joan of Arc, though in English it has been primarily feminine since the Middle Ages. The name has sustained steady usage across the English-speaking world, with a notable peak in the early 20th century and a gentle revival in the 21st century.
Where Joan is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Joan” around the world
Where Joan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
70
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jo, Joanie, Joni
Sibling names for Joan
Names that share Joan's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Jean, Jane, Ruth, Helen, Dorothy, Gail, Jayne, Judy, Barbra, Janis, Karyl, Darlyne, Gaynell, Marjean, Raeann, Donalee, Donnalee, Dyann, Mariellen, Dennice, Gailya, Judyann, Mariona, Marliss, Maryln, Roann, Rojean, Barbarajean, Beverlyann, Dorann, Georjean, Janit, Jeananne, Marijean, Marylon, Ronne, Vaunda
Brothers: John, James, Robert, William, Thomas, Gene, Gerry, Jordi, Phil, Russ, Duwayne, Dyan, Jann, Jonell, Les, Miquel, Shad, Carles, Dewane, Rohn, Janes, Vicent, Jerrol, Jhan, Josep, Lannis, Rafel, Sergi
