Declining since 1985, #2,607 for girls today.
Popularity of Joanne since 1888
Babies named Joanne per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1947, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Joanne's real moment was 1935.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 93 |
| 1910s | 825 |
| 1920s | 8,391 |
| 1930s | 40,581 |
| 1940s | 51,655 |
| 1950s | 53,568 |
| 1960s | 33,363 |
| 1970s | 11,997 |
| 1980s | 5,430 |
| 1990s | 3,000 |
| 2000s | 1,626 |
| 2010s | 998 |
| 2020s | 427 |
Meaning & origin
Joanne first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1888, but its most notable era was the 1930s, when it reached its peak rank of 2607 in 1935. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily falling, with only about 1 in 24,353 American girls receiving the name in 2025. The name was especially well-liked in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and California during its heyday. While it has faded from the top of the charts, Joanne retains a classic, mid-century feel, familiar from notable figures like singer Joanne Stafford. As a derivative of John, it shares roots with many timeless names, offering a feminine yet sturdy choice.
Joanne is a feminine form of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'Yahweh is gracious'. It originated as a French variant of Jeanne, and became established in English-speaking countries in the 19th century. The name gained particular popularity in the mid-20th century, reaching its peak in the United States in 1935. It is often considered a blend of Joan and Anne, though its true etymology traces through the Latin Joanna.
Where Joanne 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.
“Joanne” around the world
Where Joanne lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
50
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jo, Jojo, Annie
Variants: Joann, Jo-Anne, Jo-Ann
Sibling names for Joanne
Names that share Joanne's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Marie, Patricia, Barbara, Judith, Carol, Darlene, Georganne, Janeen, Marcene, Rosanne, Roseann, Roseanne, Deneen, Georgann, Jennine, Toniann, Carolanne, Chrisann, Delene, Jeannene, Jerene, Jodell, Sueanne, Chrisanne, Dustine, Jackye, Janeene, Jeanell, Jeania, Krisanne, Marieann, Michaelann, Rexanne, Darene, Jerianne, Jillane, Loanne, Luane, Pauleen, Royanne, Tonianne, Zoeann
Brothers: Robert, William, Richard, James, Thomas, Jhonny, Jackey
Names like Joanne
Names whose popularity has moved with Joanne's over the last 50 years.
