The name Jon has its roots in the Hebrew language and is a shortened form of the name Jonathan, which means "gift of God" or "God has given." It is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, around the 12th or 13th century.

The name Jon was initially popular in England and other parts of the British Isles, where it was a common name among the Anglo-Saxons. It later spread to other parts of Europe and became widely used in various cultures and languages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jon can be found in the Bible, in the Book of Judges, where a character named Jon (or Jonathan) is mentioned. However, the name gained wider recognition and popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in England.

Some notable historical figures who bore the name Jon include Jon Gower (c. 1330-1408), a Welsh poet and one of the most significant literary figures of the Middle Ages. Another famous Jon was Jon Donne (1572-1631), an English poet, scholar, and cleric who is considered one of the greatest metaphysical poets of his time.

In the 18th century, Jon Swift (1667-1745), an Anglo-Irish satirist and author, is best known for his works such as "Gulliver's Travels" and "A Modest Proposal." His biting satire and commentary on society and politics have made him a prominent figure in English literature.

Moving forward, Jon Hancock (1737-1793) was an American revolutionary and statesman who served as the first and third President of the Continental Congress during the American Revolutionary War. His famous signature on the Declaration of Independence has become an iconic symbol of American independence.

In the 20th century, Jon Steinbeck (1902-1968) was an American author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962. His works, such as "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men," are considered classics of American literature and have had a profound impact on the literary world.