Surname Johns - Meaning and Origin

Unearthing Hidden Lineage: The Impact of iGENEA DNA Test on My Understanding of the Johns Ancestry

Interested in exploring my family history, I decided to take a DNA test at iGENEA. The unexpected insights I gained about my ancestors named Johns have not only transformed my understanding of my heritage but also fundamentally changed my perspective on my own identity.

K. Johns

Johns: What does the surname Johns mean?

The surname Johns is of English origin and is derived from the given name John, meaning "God is gracious." It is generally characterized as a patronymic surname, which signifies that it was often given to the son of a person who bore the first name John. The "s" at the end of Johns signifies "son of," thus Johns would translate to "John's son." This type of surname was extremely common in England and Wales as well as other English-speaking nations. Over time, the name was adopted by various families and spread to different regions, resulting in variations such as Johnson. It's important to note that the usage or meaning could slightly differ based on cultural and regional differences. However, the primary and most widely accepted interpretation remains linked to its patronymic origins.

Johns: Where does the name Johns come from?

The surname "Johns" is of patronymic origin, derived from the personal name "John." It specifically means "son of John." It traces its origin back to the Hebrew name "Yochanan" which translates to "Jehovah has favored (with a son)". The name John was widespread in the Middle Ages throughout England due to its biblical references and popularity amongst Christians; therefore, the surname Johns can be found all over the UK.

However, the Johns surname is most commonly found in Cornwall, located in southwestern England. It is still quite common in that region and across the UK today. Beyond the UK, due to historical British emigration, the surname has spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, making it quite frequently occurring in these places as well today.

Variations of the surname Johns

The surname Johns is believed to have medieval origins, stemming from the personal name "John". Over the centuries, it has evolved and adapted leading to a variety of spellings and variants.

Some of the common variant spellings of this surname include "Jonnes," "Jones," "Jonns," "Johnes," and "Jonas." Surnames that are considered variants of Johns include "Johnson" (meaning son of John), "Johnston," and "Johnstone."

In terms of geographical variations, "Johansson" is a Swedish variant, while "Jansen" or "Janssen" is common in the Netherlands. The Welsh use "Sion" or "Shon" which sound similar to Johns.

In Eastern European countries, where the Johann form was more common, the Hungarian János also gave rise to surnames, such as "Janos," "Janosik," and "Janowicz."

The Irish surname "Eoin" is also considered a variant of Johns.

In the biblical sense, the surname "The Baptist" may also be regarded as a variant of Johns.

These different variants and spellings have developed over time and are often associated with specific regions and countries, reflecting the historical movement and evolution of people and languages.

Famous people with the name Johns

• Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock): American actor and former professional wrestler.
• Donnie Wahlberg: American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and film producer.
• Linkin Park bassist Dave 'Phoenix' Farrell.
• Ashlee Simpson: American singer, songwriter and actress.
• Maggie Gyllenhaal: Academy Award-nominated American actress and producer.
• Mark Johns: American hip-hop recording artist.
• Don Johnson: American actor, producer and musician.
• Willie Johnson: American blues guitarist and singer.
• Nicole Johnson: American former beauty queen and mother of singer Beyoncé Knowles.
• Robert Johnson: American blues musician.

Other surnames

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