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

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Early Origins of the Johns family

The surname Johns was first found in Carmarthenshire (Welsh: Sir Gaerfyrddin), located in Southwest Wales, one of thirteen historic counties and presently one of the principal area in Wales, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Johns family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Johns research. Another 115 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Johns History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Johns Spelling Variations

The Welsh have an extremely large amount of spelling variations of their native surnames to their credit. It was up to the priest or the scribe taking the official records to determine how the spoken name was to be made literal. As time progressed, the old Brythonic names of Wales were recorded in English, which was especially problematic since the English language had extreme difficulty recording the highly inflected sounds of Cymraeg. Spelling variations were, however, also carried out according to an individual's design: a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations could be indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The spelling variations of the name Johns have included Johnes, Johns, John, Johne and others.

Early Notables of the Johns family

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was

  • Sir Thomas Johns of Cornwall

Johns World Ranking

In the United States, the name Johns is the 614th most popular surname with an estimated 47,253 people with that name. 1 However, in Australia, the name Johns is ranked the 251st most popular surname with an estimated 13,902 people with that name. 2 And in New Zealand, the name Johns is the 298th popular surname with an estimated 2,035 people with that name. 3 The United Kingdom ranks Johns as 629th with 10,440 people. 4

United States Johns migration to the United States +

During the latter half of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, the people of Wales journeyed to North America to find a new life. They made major contributions to the arts, industry and commerce of both Canada and the United States, and added a rich cultural heritage to their newly adopted societies. A look at the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Johns:

Johns Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • William Johns, who settled in New England in 1634 with his wife
  • Philip Johns, aged 22, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Assurance" 5
  • Phillip and Mary Johns, who settled in Virginia in 1645
  • Mary Johns, who arrived in Virginia in 1652 5
  • John Johns, who landed in Maryland in 1665 5
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Johns Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • James Johns, who arrived in Virginia in 1704 5
  • Lewis Johns, who landed in Virginia in 1707 5
Johns Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Francis Johns, who landed in Harford County, Maryland in 1838 5
  • R Johns, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1851 5
  • Mr. John Johns, (b. 1834), aged 20, Cornish miner departing from Liverpool aboard the ship "May Flower" arriving in Philadelphia, USA on 7 October 1854 6
  • Henry Johns, aged 28, who arrived in New Orleans, La in 1860 5
  • Daniel Johns, who arrived in New York in 1868 5
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Johns Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mr. Joseph B. Johns, (b. 1876), aged 24, Cornish miner travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 5th May 1900 en route to Calumet, Michigan, USA 7
  • Mr. John Johns, (b. 1874), aged 26, Cornish miner , from Redruth, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Majestic" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 15th November 1900 en route to New York, USA 7
  • Mr. Harry Johns, (b. 1876), aged 24, Cornish miner travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 11th February 1900 en route to Calumet, Michigan, USA 7
  • Mr. Harry Johns, (b. 1876), aged 24, Cornish miner travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 5th May 1900 en route to Calumet, Michigan, USA 7
  • Mr. William Johns, (b. 1855), aged 45, Cornish settler, from Hayle, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Oceanic" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 26th September 1900 en route to Benton, Wisconsin, USA 7
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Canada Johns migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Johns Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Lt. Solomon Johns U.E. (b. 1751) born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, USA from Clarendon, Vermont, USA who settled in Home District [York County], Ontario c. 1784 he enlisted in 1777 serving in the Queen's Loyal Rangers and King's Rangers, he died in 1786 he is listed as being killed by a falling tree, married to Susanna Bucklin they had 5 children 8
Johns Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Rebecca Johns, aged 23, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Eleanor Gordon" in 1834

Australia Johns migration to Australia +

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

Johns Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Miss Hannah Johns, British Convict who was convicted in Bristol, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 9
  • Samuel Johns, English convict from Devon, who was transported aboard the "Ann" on August 1809, settling in New South Wales, Australia 10
  • Mr. William Johns, (b. 1810), aged 18, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Eliza" on 25th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
  • Mr. William Johns, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Clyde" on 20th August 1830, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 12
  • Miss Rebecca Johns, Cornish convict who was convicted in Cornwall, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Edward" on 23rd April 1834, arriving in Tasmania, (Van Diemen's Land) 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Johns Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century
  • Miss Ruth Johns, (b. 1857), aged 49, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "Oroya" arriving in Queensland, Australia on 19th January 1906 14
  • Miss Jane Grace Johns, (b. 1876), aged 30, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "Ophir" arriving in Queensland, Australia on 14th February 1906 14
  • Mr. Joseph Beare Johns, (b. 1876), aged 30, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "Ophir" arriving in Queensland, Australia on 14th February 1906 14
  • Mrs. Elizabeth I. Johns, (b. 1858), aged 48, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "Ophir" arriving in Queensland, Australia on 14th February 1906 14

New Zealand Johns 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:

Johns Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Miss Johns, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship 'Melpomene' arriving in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand on 14th October 1856 15
  • Mr. Johns, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship 'Melpomene' arriving in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand on 14th October 1856 15
  • Mr. Frederick George Johns, British settler travelling from Liverpool (Mersey) aboard the ship "Viscount Sandon" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand then Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand in 1860 16
  • Mrs. Martha Ann Johns née Holliday, British settler travelling from Liverpool (Mersey) aboard the ship "Viscount Sandon" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand then Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand in 1860 16
  • Miss Martha Elizabeth Johns, British settler travelling from Liverpool (Mersey) aboard the ship "Viscount Sandon" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand then Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand in 1860 16
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Johns (post 1700) +

  • Jasper Johns (b. 1930), American contemporary artist, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • Glynis Margaret Payne Johns (1923-2024), British stage and film actress, dancer, pianist and singer who appeared in more than 60 films and 30 plays receiving a Tony award and a Drama Desk Award as well as nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award, perhaps best known for her roles in Mary Poppins (1964) and A Little Night Music (1973)
  • Robert James "Bobby" Johns (1932-2016), American race car driver
  • Brigadier-General Dwight Frederick Johns (1894-1977), American Assistant Chief of Engineers for Military Operations (1945-1947) 17
  • Tracy Camilla Johns (b. 1963), American film actress
  • Denice Johns, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from New York, 2008 18
  • David B. Johns (b. 1871), American Republican politician, Member of Pennsylvania State House of Representatives from Allegheny County, 1909; Delegate to Republican National Convention from Pennsylvania, 1912 18
  • Charley Eugene Johns (1905-1990), American politician, Member of Florida State House of Representatives, 1935-37; Member of Florida State Senate, 1947, 1955-66; Governor of Florida, 1953-55; Defeated, 1954 18
  • Charles G. Johns, American politician, Representative from Michigan 8th District, 1976 18
  • Charles A. Johns (b. 1857), American Republican politician, County judge in Oregon, 1883-85; Justice of Oregon State Supreme Court, 1918-21; Resigned 1921; Justice of Phillipine Islands supreme court, 1921- 18
  • ... (Another 63 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Flight TWA 800
  • Miss. Courtney Elizabeth Johns (1978-1996), from Clarkston, Michigan, USA, American passenger flying aboard flight TWA 800 from J.F.K. Airport, New York to Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Rome when the plane crashed after takeoff ; she died in the crash 19
Halifax Explosion
  • Mr. Charles William  Johns (1880-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 20
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. William R Johns, British Telegraphist, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 21
  • Mr. Alfred George Johns, British Leading Stoker, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 21
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Leonard Herbert Johns, British Ordinary Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 22
HMS Royal Oak
  • Percival Herbert Mitchley Johns (1902-1939), British Chief Electrical Artificer 2nd Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 23
North Sea Flood
  • S. J. Johns, British worker aboard the trawler "Michael Griffith" killed in the North Sea Flood, a major storm surge in 1953

The Johns Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Deus pascit corvos
Motto Translation: God feeds the ravens.

Suggested Readings for the name Johns +

  • The Chronicles of John Clark Johns and His Descendants by David Lamar Taylor.
  • Mt. Comfort Plantation by Richard L. Guild.
  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  3. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  4. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  5. 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)
  6. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 2018, April 30). Emigrants to New York 1820 - 1891 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_new_york_1820_1891.pdf
  7. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  8. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  9. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  10. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Ann voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1809 with 200 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/ann/1809
  11. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 17th February 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eliza
  12. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 19th February 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/clyde
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th January 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/edward
  14. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retreived 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_australia_queensland.pdf
  15. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  16. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  17. Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2012, March 30) Dwight Johns. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Johns/Dwight_Frederick/USA.html
  18. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 13) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  19. The Washington Post Passenger List TWA Flight 800. (Retrieved 2018, February 15th). Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/twa800/list01.htm
  20. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
  21. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  22. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  23. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
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