A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Joni since 1930
Babies named Joni per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 93 |
| 1940s | 435 |
| 1950s | 9,218 |
| 1960s | 8,274 |
| 1970s | 4,213 |
| 1980s | 4,166 |
| 1990s | 919 |
| 2000s | 463 |
| 2010s | 488 |
| 2020s | 546 |
Meaning & origin
The name Joni is a diminutive of Joan, the English feminine form of John, ultimately from Hebrew origins. It was first recorded in the United States in 1930 and reached its peak popularity in 1956. As of 2025, Joni ranked 1796, with a frequency of 1 in 14,351 newborns. The name has been on a rising trajectory since 2010, seeing renewed interest after a period of decline. In its peak decade, the 1950s, Joni was most popular in Oregon, Utah, and Tennessee. The association with singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell has lent the name a creative, artistic aura. Joni remains a gentle, vintage choice that feels fresh again, without the weight of more common names.
Joni is a feminine given name, originally a diminutive or variant of Joan, itself the English feminine form of John. John derives from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning 'Yahweh is gracious.' The spelling Joni emerged in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, and was popularized by the singer Joni Mitchell (born Roberta Joan Anderson). The name saw its peak usage in the 1950s.
Where Joni 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.
“Joni” around the world
Where Joni lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
14
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jo
Sibling names for Joni
Names that share Joni's style, for a brother or sister.
