Last Name Johnson

The surname Johnson is a patronymic derived from the given name John, which originates from Hebrew. The name John itself means "God is gracious" and was popularized by the New Testament figure John the Baptist. The surname Johnson is of Old English origin, from the Middle English personal name Seint Johannes (Saint John), which later evolved into Johnsone and ultimately Johnson. It became a common surname in many English-speaking countries due to the popularity of the name John throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Johnson

The meaning and origin of the last name Johnson

The surname Johnson is of Old English origin, derived from the given name 'John'. It emerged as a surname during the Middle Ages when the use of hereditary names became popular. John itself is a variant of Johannes, the Latin form of the Greek name Ioannes, meaning "God is gracious". The name was extremely popular throughout Europe, particularly among Christians, due to Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist who were important figures in Christian tradition. Over time, as populations migrated, the surname Johnson spread across Europe and eventually reached North America with English and Scandinavian settlers. Today, it remains a common surname worldwide, reflecting the historical prominence of the given name John.

Geographical distribution of the last name Johnson

The surname Johnson is widely distributed across various countries, reflecting its English and Scottish origins. In the United States, it ranks among the top 20 most common surnames, with significant populations in the South and Midwest regions. It is also prominent in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec. In the United Kingdom, Johnson can be found throughout England, Scotland, and Wales, but is more common in urban areas such as London and Birmingham. The name is also prevalent in Australia, New Zealand, and several Caribbean countries due to historical British colonization. Other countries with notable populations of Johnsons include South Africa, the Philippines (due to American influence), and parts of Scandinavia (as a result of anglicized forms).

Variants and spellings of the last name Johnson

The surname Johnson has several variations and spellings worldwide. In English-speaking countries, common variants include Johnson, Jonsson (Scandinavian), Jansen (Dutch and German), and Zhao Mansen (Chinese). Other regional variations may include Johnsonne, Johnstone, Johanson, Johnsone, Jonson, Joanson, and Janssonen. In some countries where English is not the primary language, the name can also be transliterated or assimilated into local languages, such as Ioannou (Greek), Иоансон (Russian), Johannesson (Icelandic), and Johansson (Danish, Swedish, Norwegian). In a few cases, it may even be combined with other family names to create compound surnames, like Johnson-Lee or Johnston-Smith. It is important to note that there are many more variations depending on the specific region or cultural influence, making the name Johnson one of the most common and diverse surnames globally.

Famous people with the last name Johnson

Lyndon Baines Johnson, born in 1908, was the 36th President of the United States (1963-1969) and served as Vice President under John F. Kennedy before assuming the presidency upon Kennedy's assassination. He is recognized for his Great Society domestic agenda, which included initiatives like Medicare, Medicaid, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Another notable Johnson is Samuel A. Johnson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin who served in Congress for over 30 years (1879-1913). Known as the "Father of the Senate Library," he established and expanded the Library of Congress. Born in Britain, Alan Joseph Johnson served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2019. He was a prominent figure during the Brexit referendum campaign and led the Conservative Party for over six years. Lastly, Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was an activist, writer, and politician in her own right. She served as the First Lady from 1933 to 1945 and later as a U.S. Representative to the United Nations (1945-1952), advocating for human rights, women's rights, and world peace.

Genealogical research on the last name Johnson

The surname Johnson, originating from Old Norse 'Jonson' and Anglo-Norman 'Jeune' or 'Jon', is a common English, Scottish, Irish, and American name with diverse origins. It can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England, where it was often derived from the personal names John or Jonas, which mean "God is gracious" in Hebrew. In Scotland, it emerged as a variant of the Gaelic 'MacIain', meaning "son of Iain," a popular name derived from John. The Johnson family's most notable historical figure is probably Samuel Johnson, a prominent English lexicographer, essayist, and literary critic who compiled A Dictionary of the English Language in the 18th century. The surname Johnson is also prevalent in Ireland, where it was sometimes Anglicized from Gaelic names like Mac Seáin (son of John) or Ó Ciardha (descendant of the poet Ciardha, a variant of John). Today, the Johnson family can be found across various regions globally, reflecting their long and rich history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Johnson"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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