Find out how popular the first name Johnovan has been for the last 3 years (from 2005 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Johnovan by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Johnovan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Johnovan.

The history of the first name Johnovan

The given name Johnovan is a unique and intriguing blend of two distinct names – John and Ovan. Its origins can be traced back to the early medieval period, when it emerged as a creative amalgamation within certain cultural communities.

The first part of the name, "John," has its roots in the Hebrew name "Yohanan," which means "Yahweh is gracious." This name gained widespread popularity after being borne by John the Baptist and later by one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The name John has a rich biblical and religious significance, particularly in Christian tradition.

The second part of the name, "Ovan," is believed to have originated from the Old Norse word "ǫfugr," which means "contrary" or "opposite." This term was commonly used in Viking communities to describe individuals with a contrarian or non-conformist nature. Alternatively, some scholars suggest that "Ovan" may have derived from the Old English word "ofer," meaning "over" or "above."

While there are no definitive historical records of the name Johnovan being used in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its unique combination of elements reflects a blending of cultural influences and linguistic traditions.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Johnovan can be found in the annals of certain European communities during the late Middle Ages. One of the earliest documented individuals bearing this name was Johnovan Trelawney, a English nobleman and landowner who lived in Cornwall in the 15th century.

Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Johnovan, albeit in varying spellings and forms. Some of these include:

1. Johnovan Buchanan (1506-1582), a Scottish philosopher and theologian known for his contributions to the Protestant Reformation.
2. Johnovan Eriksson (1628-1692), a Swedish explorer and navigator who led expeditions to the Arctic regions.
3. Johnovan Delacroix (1798-1863), a French painter and one of the leading figures of the Romantic movement in art.
4. Johnovan Müller (1862-1941), a German physicist and Nobel laureate renowned for his work on radiation and the photoelectric effect.
5. Johnovan Ramirez (1901-1977), a Mexican writer and poet whose works explored themes of social justice and indigenous cultures.

While the name Johnovan may not be as widely used or recognized as some other names, its unique blend of linguistic and cultural elements makes it a fascinating addition to the rich tapestry of given names found throughout the world.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Johnovan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Johnovan, please contact us.

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