Declining since 1985, #2,284 for boys today.
Popularity of Johnnie since 1880
Babies named Johnnie per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1928, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Johnnie's real moment was 1910.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 323 | 572 |
| 1890s | 779 | 1,160 |
| 1900s | 1,813 | 2,781 |
| 1910s | 5,492 | 10,426 |
| 1920s | 10,066 | 17,295 |
| 1930s | 9,063 | 15,333 |
| 1940s | 9,750 | 16,422 |
| 1950s | 6,185 | 14,046 |
| 1960s | 2,664 | 9,149 |
| 1970s | 1,229 | 5,920 |
| 1980s | 581 | 3,702 |
| 1990s | 491 | 2,373 |
| 2000s | 230 | 1,448 |
| 2010s | 300 | 1,049 |
| 2020s | 230 | 423 |
Meaning & origin
Johnnie is a diminutive of John that has been in use since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security data. It reached its peak popularity in 1910, when it was most commonly given to boys, though it has also been used as a feminine nickname for Joanna or similar names. The name has been steadily declining in use since the mid-20th century, particularly after 1985, consistent with a broader trend away from nickname forms as given names. In its peak decade of the 1910s, it was a familiar sound in households across the country, with California and Texas among its top states of use in recent years. Today, it is given to roughly 1 in 28,001 newborns, making it a rare but recognizable choice.
Johnnie is a diminutive of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious'. The nickname form gained popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries, used for both boys and girls, often as a familiar variant of John or Joanna.
Where Johnnie is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: John, Johnny
Sibling names for Johnnie
Names that share Johnnie's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mary, Betty, Doris, Ruth, Helen, Bessie, Mattie, Nannie, Ammie, Jannie, Linnie, Nettie, Sallie, Tressie, Virgie, Billye, Blanchie, Cordie, Francie, Gennie, Glennie, Hassie, Jeffie, Jettie, Jodee, Johnetta, Lonie, Ludie, Martie, Mellie, Monnie, Sudie, Tommye, Zettie, Ardie, Berdie, Birtie, Channie, Colie, Crissie, Dellie, Donie, Fannye, Fronie, Girlie, Littie, Lovey, Lutie, Matie, Mattye, Monie, Nanie, Nealie, Nonnie, Robbye, Rubbie, Saddie, Tinnie, Vannie, Zollie, Biddie, Blannie, Cannie, Clemie, Cornie, Dollye, Fonnie, Fronnie, Girtie, Jearlean, Jemmie, Luddie, Lulie, Mamye, Manie, Mollye, Saidee, Tishie, Venie, Vessie, Wessie, Willye, Chattie, Geanie, Minie, Nillie, Ninnie, Radie, Rettie, Rissie, Sibbie, Swannie, Tannie, Vincie, Viney
Brothers: James, Robert, William, Thomas, Charles, Bennie, Robie, Tommie, Johny, Simmie, Vinnie, Hughey, Frankye, Limmie, Rannie, Sollie, Mosie, Luie, Rhodie
Names like Johnnie
Names whose popularity has moved with Johnnie's over the last 50 years.
