Like many surnames, the name Johanns is taken from a personal name common in the era when surnames began to be used. Johannes is the Germanic form of John, which comes from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "Jehovah has favored me with a son" and which became a very popular personal name in Europe because of two saints by the name, Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist.
The surname Johanns was first found in Germany, where the name Johanns came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as numerous branches of the same house acquired distant estates, some of which were located in other countries. Through the acquisition of these estates as well as their important contributions to society, the family successfully elevated their social status.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Johanns research. Another 68 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1763 and 1844 are included under the topic Early Johanns History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Spelling variations of this family name include: Johan, Johanns, Johannes, Johanes, Johann and others.
More information is included under the topic Early Johanns Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Evan Johannes, who arrived in Virginia in 1659; and Henrig Johan, who settled in New York in 1709 with his wife and four children.