Last Name Johnson

The last name "Johnson" is of English origin. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally derived from the personal name "John." "Johnson" indicates "son of John," with "son" being a common suffix in English surnames to denote family lineage. The name "John" comes from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "Yahweh (God) is gracious." The surname "Johnson" has been widely adopted and remains one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Johnson

The ethnic identity associated with the surname Johnson, based on data from the Decennial U.S. Census, is diverse and has experienced changes over time. White individuals account for the majority, although this percentage dropped slightly from 61.55% in 2000 to 58.97% in 2010. The Black ethnicity showed a slight increase, from 33.80% to 34.63%. Meanwhile, the Hispanic representation saw a substantial increase, rising from 1.50% to 2.36%. There was also an increase in those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander and those reporting two or more races, which went from 0.42% to 0.54% and from 1.82% to 2.56% respectively. Lastly, American Indian and Alaskan Native representation remained relatively stable at just under 1%.

	2000	2010	Change
White	61.55%	58.97%	-4.19%
Black	33.8%	34.63%	2.46%
Two or More Races	1.82%	2.56%	40.66%
Hispanic	1.5%	2.36%	57.33%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.91%	0.94%	3.3%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.42%	0.54%	28.57%

Johnson ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Johnson is British & Irish, which comprises 43.4% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (21.2%) and Scandinavian (10.3%). Additional ancestries include Nigerian, Eastern European, Ghanaian, Liberian & Sierra Leonean, Italian, and Spanish & Portuguese.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	43.4%
French & German	21.2%
Scandinavian	10.3%
Other	25.1%

Your paternal lineage may be linked to Ramesses III

Pharaoh Ramesses III defended Egypt in three consecutive wars during his approximately 30-year reign, but provoked dissent within his administration. Catalyzed by mounting internal strife, one of Ramesses's lesser wives, Tiye, hatched a plot to have her son, Pentawer, usurp the throne by having Ramesses III murdered along with his appointed heir. A papyrus record of the resulting trial explains that the plot failed and that all involved were tried and convicted.However, a modern CT scan of Ramesses III's mummy revealed a deep slit in his throat, reopening a case long thought closed. The embalmers went to great lengths to cover up other wounds, including fashioning a fake toe out of resin where Ramesses's real one had been hacked off, likely during a fatal attack. For thousands of years, Ramesses's burial adornments concealed the wounds that mark one of the most famous royal dramas in history. Ramesses III's paternal lineage belongs to haplogroup E-V38.

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Johnson

The meaning and origin of the last name Johnson

The surname Johnson is an English patronymic surname, meaning "son of John." It derives from the given name John, which is of Hebrew origin and means "God is gracious." The name John has ancient biblical roots and is one of the most common names in Western countries. Johnson became a popular surname in England in the 14th century, as the use of patronymic surnames became more prevalent. Over time, the name became widely adopted and passed down through generations. As a result, numerous branches of the Johnson family can be found across different parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. The surname has a rich history, and its prevalence reflects the enduring popularity of the name John, along with the importance of paternal lineage in English culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Johnson

The last name Johnson is widely distributed across various geographical regions, both within the United States and internationally. In the United States, Johnson is one of the most common surnames and can be found in every state. However, it is most prevalent in the upper Midwest region, particularly in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, where a significant number of Scandinavian immigrants settled and adopted the name Johnson. Additionally, Johnson is also widely found in other states, such as Texas, California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Internationally, the surname Johnson is commonly found in English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, as well as Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway. This is primarily due to the historical influence of English and Scandinavian cultures in these regions. The widespread distribution of the Johnson surname reflects its popularity and the influence of various historical factors and migration patterns throughout the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Johnson

The last name Johnson has several variations and spellings, each representing potential changes in pronunciation or spelling over time. Some common variations include Johnston, Jonson, and Johnsen. These variations often occur due to regional dialects or changes made during immigration processes. For example, Johnston is a variation that is commonly associated with Scotland, while Jonson is more commonly found in Scandinavian countries. Similarly, Johnsen is a common spelling in Denmark and Norway. Another variation is Johnsingh, which is primarily found in India and is typically associated with individuals from the Sikh community. These variations showcase the diverse ways in which the last name Johnson has evolved and been adapted across different cultures and regions. Despite these different spellings and pronunciations, the essence of the name remains the same - a representation of those with the surname's genealogical and familial connections.

Famous people with the last name Johnson

There have been numerous famous individuals throughout history with the last name Johnson, each making notable contributions in various fields. In the world of politics, Lyndon B. Johnson stands out as the 36th president of the United States, remembered for his leadership during the civil rights movement. In literature, Maya Angelou, whose birth name was Marguerite Annie Johnson, gained worldwide recognition for her impactful memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and her powerful poetry. In the world of entertainment, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has made a name for himself as a professional wrestler turned actor, known for his charismatic personality, impressive physique, and leading roles in numerous blockbuster films. Additionally, Magic Johnson, an esteemed basketball player, has left an indelible mark on the sport, excelling in his career with the Los Angeles Lakers and becoming an influential entrepreneur and philanthropist off the court. These Johnsons, among others, have all left lasting legacies in their respective fields and continue to inspire many.

Genealogical research on the last name Johnson

The Johnson surname is a very common one in the English-speaking world, making it a challenge to trace its precise origins. However, it is believed to be of patronymic origin, derived from the given name John, meaning "God is gracious." This surname is primarily found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, England, and Scotland. The earliest records of individuals with the Johnson surname can be traced back to the 13th century in England. Over time, the Johnson name spread across different regions, and various branches of the family emerged, leading to a multitude of lineages and descendants. As a result, tracing specific genealogical connections and establishing the family's history in its entirety can be complex and often requires comprehensive research, including examination of birth, marriage, and death records, census data, wills, and other historical documents. Despite the challenges associated with its prevalence, the Johnson name is undoubtedly one that has left an enduring legacy and continues to thrive in many parts of the world.

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 April 2025

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