Holding steady.
Popularity of Joh since 1949
Babies named Joh per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 7 |
| 1950s | 26 |
| 1960s | 78 |
| 1970s | 139 |
| 1980s | 151 |
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Joh is a concise, straightforward short form of Johannes, the German and Scandinavian version of John. First recorded in the United States in 1949, the name has remained extremely rare, with only occasional births each year. Its peak year was 1984, but even then the number of newborns given this name was minimal. The name has followed a stable trajectory since its sporadic appearance, never approaching mainstream popularity. Joh is almost exclusively used for boys, consistent with its roots in the male name Johannes. While it lacks a presence in any top state rankings, it carries a simple, direct sound that appeals to parents seeking a less common alternative to John or Joe.
Joh is a short form of Johannes, the German and Scandinavian form of John, which derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'Yahweh is gracious.' It emerged as a standalone given name in Germanic regions, particularly in the 20th century. While less common than the full form, it has been used consistently in Germany and Scandinavian countries.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Joh
Names that share Joh's style, for a brother or sister.

