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Show ContentsJohn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The distinguished surname John is derived from the given name "John," which is itself derived from the Hebrew name "Johanan," meaning "Jehovah has favored."

"This baptismal name, which is of Norman introduction, has rarely passed into a surname. The London Directory for 1852 affords but one instance." 1

The name was brought to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066, and was extremely popular throughout Europe in the Middle Ages as a result of the numerous connections between the name John and the Christian Church.

Early Origins of the John family

The surname John was first found in Lincolnshire, borne by Alanus filius Jene in 1275. Other early bearers of the name include Willelmus filius Gene, who was recorded in the Rotuli Hundredorum of Yorkshire in 1276, Walterus filius Jone, who was living in Huntingdonshire in 1279, and Thomas John, who was a resident of Buckinghamshire in 1279. 2

In Somerset, Robert Johns, was listed 1 Edward III (during the first year of the reign of King Edward III.) 3 Lewis Johns was prebendary of St. David's in 1486. 4

Farther to the south in the parish of Wendron, Cornwall, we found this interesting entry. "The barton of Tremere, or Trenear, on which are now only some small cottages, is said to have been a place of considerable fame in former ages. This is at present the property of the representatives of the late Richard Johns, Esq. of Helston, by purchase from the Vyvyans. Tonkin speaking of this place says, 'At Trenere in Wendron is an arched vault of moorstone near the house, said to have been a cellar of the ancient Dukes of Cornwall, and this one of their hunting seats. This vault, which is very entire, indicates a place of some distinction.' " 5

Early History of the John family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our John research. Another 104 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1279, 1327, 1379, 1417, 1463, 1600, 1656, 1664, 1736, 1754, 1776, 1796, 1843, 1858 and 1890 are included under the topic Early John History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

John Spelling Variations

Norman surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are largely due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England, as well as the official court languages of Latin and French, also had pronounced influences on the spelling of surnames. Since medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings. The name has been spelled John, Johns, Jon, Jone, Johnes, Johnys, Joan, Joanes, Jones and many more.

Early Notables of the John family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

  • Sir Hugh Johnys (fl. 1417-1463), Knight-Marshal of England and France, is said to have been the son of John Watkin Vaughan, who was the bastard child of Watkin Vaughan. In the muster-roll of the Engli...
  • Samuel John (1656-1736), was a minister, Henry John (1664-1754), a hymnist from Wales, Ambrose Bowden Johns (1776-1858), a British painter, and David Johns (1796-1843), was a Welsh missionary

John World Ranking

In the United States, the name John is the 1,172nd most popular surname with an estimated 24,870 people with that name. 6 However, in Canada, the name John is ranked the 882nd most popular surname with an estimated 6,051 people with that name. 7 And in France, the name John is the 2,605th popular surname with an estimated 2,500 - 3,000 people with that name. 8 Australia ranks John as 421st with 8,881 people. 9 New Zealand ranks John as 430th with 1,552 people. 10 The United Kingdom ranks John as 418th with 15,582 people. 11

Ireland Migration of the John family to Ireland

Some of the John family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 84 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States John migration to the United States +

Many English families emigrated to North American colonies in order to escape the political chaos in Britain at this time. Unfortunately, many English families made the trip to the New World under extremely harsh conditions. Overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the stormy Atlantic. Despite these hardships, many of the families prospered and went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the United States and Canada. Early North American immigration records have revealed a number of people bearing the name John or a variant listed above:

John Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • James John, who arrived in Virginia in 1636 12
  • Hills John, who arrived in Virginia in 1648 12
  • Donio John, who arrived in Virginia in 1656 12
  • Edward John, who landed in Maryland in 1665 12
  • Evan John, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1678-1679 12
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
John Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Mary John, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1701-1703 12
  • Nelson, John Sr., who arrived in North Carolina in 1702 12
  • Rebecca John, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1703 12
  • Cadder John, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1704 12
  • Jenkins John, who landed in Virginia in 1705 12
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
John Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Simon John, aged 35, who arrived in New York in 1812 12
  • Thomas John, who arrived in New York in 1822 12
  • Elias John, who arrived in New York, NY in 1840 12
  • Henry Cart John, aged 25, who landed in Mobile County, Ala in 1840 12
  • Valentine John, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1844 12
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
John Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Roched John, who landed in Mississippi in 1904 12

Canada John migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

John Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • S John, who arrived in Victoria, British Columbia in 1862

Australia John migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

John Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Mann John, British Convict who was convicted in Warwick, Warwickshire, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" on 11th August 1820, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
  • Mr. Thomas John, Welsh convict who was convicted in Glamorgan, Glamorganshire, Wales for life, transported aboard the "Chapman" on 12th April 1826, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 14
  • Mr. Pierre John, British convict who was convicted in Grenada for 7 years, transported aboard the "Elphinstone" on 20th January 1836, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 15
  • James John, aged 27, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Prince Regent" in 1851 16
  • James John, aged 27, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1851 aboard the ship "Prince Regent" 16
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand John migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

John Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Daniel John, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Celestial Queen" in 1870
  • Llewellyn John, aged 27, a labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Arawa" in 1884
  • Sarah A. John, aged 26, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Arawa" in 1884
  • Eustace John, aged 6, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Arawa" in 1884
  • Amy John, aged 1, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Arawa" in 1884
John Settlers in New Zealand in the 20th Century
  • John John, aged 22, a miner, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "S. S. Waimana" in 1926
  • Olive John, aged 18, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "S. S. Waimana" in 1926
  • Isaac John, aged 12, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "S. S. Waimana" in 1926

Contemporary Notables of the name John (post 1700) +

  • Mable John (1930-2022), American blues vocalist, the first female signed by Berry Gordy to Motown's Tamla label
  • Susan V. John (1957-2021), American politician who served in the New York State Assembly from Monroe County, New York (1991-2010)
  • Thomas Edward "Tommy" John Jr. (b. 1943), American Major League Baseball former pitcher who had 288 career victories, eponym of Tommy John surgery, a revolutionary surgical graft procedure to replace a tendon first performed by Dr. F. Jobe in 1974
  • Louise Moses John, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Pennsylvania, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964 17
  • Julian John, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Illinois, 1972 17
  • John N. John Jr., American politician, Member of Louisiana State House of Representatives, 1974-82 17
  • Jesse J. John, American politician, Member of Pennsylvania State House of Representatives from Northumberland County, 1875-76 17
  • George W. John, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for Michigan State House of Representatives from Macomb County, 1910 17
  • Frederick C. T. John, American Republican politician, Postmaster at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1954-65 (acting, 1954) 17
  • Eva John, American Republican politician, Presidential Elector for California, 1952 17
  • ... (Another 20 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Bismarck
  • Joseph John (1920-1941), German Maschinenobergefreiter who served aboard the German Battleship Bismarck during World War II when it was sunk heading to France; he died in the sinking 18
HMS Cornwall
  • Edward John (1910-1942), Hemsley, (1910-1942), born in Punnetts Town, Heatherfield, East Sussex, England, British Stoker 2nd Class aboard the HMS Cornwall when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 19
HMS Hood
  • Mr. Thomas John (b. 1921), Welsh Marine serving for the Royal Marine from Maestag, Glamorgan, Wales, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 20
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Howard Stanley John, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 21
Senghenydd colliery
  • Mr. Thomas John (b. 1882), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • Mr. Daniel John (b. 1887), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • Mr. Owen Morien John (b. 1891), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  • Mr. William John (b. 1820), Welsh coal miner from Abertridwr, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  4. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  5. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
  6. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  7. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  8. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
  9. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  10. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  11. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  12. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 3rd March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
  14. Convict Records of Australia. Retreived 28th January 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/chapman
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elphinstone
  16. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) PRINCE REGENT 1851. Retrieved http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1851PrinceRegent.htm
  17. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 3) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  18. Bismarck & Tirpitz Class - Crew List Bismarck. (Retrieved 2018, February 06). Retrieved from https://www.bismarck-class.dk/bismarck/crew/bismarck_crew.html#crew_details
  19. Force Z Survivors Crew List HMS Cornwall (Retrieved 2018, February 13th) - Retrieved from https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listcornwallcrew.html#A
  20. H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
  21. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
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