Jun first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Jun has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Jun

A masculine name originating in Japan, meaning "obedient" or "truthful".

Popularity of Jun by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Jun is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 89% of people named Jun being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 42 male babies and 8 female babies born with the name Jun.

YearMale CountFemale Count
2024428
2023400
2022335
20213510
20202412
20192010
2018260
2017197
2016328
2015195
2014235
2013206
2012220
20112211
2010306
2009170
2008380
2007396
2006338
2005310
2004226
2003460
20023010
2001285
2000280
1999265
1998255
1997300
1996290
1995240
1994320
1993330
1992260
1991360
1990300
1989260
1988300
1987110
1986196
1985130
1984170
1983190
1982120
1981225
1980200
1979130
1978110
1977200
1976100
197590

The history of the first name Jun

The given name Jun originates from Chinese and Japanese cultures, with roots dating back to ancient times. In Chinese, the name 君 (jūn) means "lord," "ruler," or "sovereign," reflecting a sense of authority and leadership. Conversely, in Japanese, the name 准 (jun) carries the meaning of "compliance," "permission," or "permit," suggesting a more modest and obedient connotation.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jun can be found in the Chinese classic text, the Analects of Confucius, which dates back to the 5th century BCE. Here, the name is used in reference to a disciple of Confucius, often referred to as Zigong or Zilu. This historical connection highlights the name's ancient roots in Chinese culture.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) in China, the name Jun gained popularity among the noble classes, particularly for male heirs to the throne. It was seen as a prestigious and honorable name, reflecting the imperial aspirations of the time. One notable figure bearing this name was Emperor Xizong of Tang, who reigned from 873 to 888 CE.

In Japan, the name Jun has been in use for centuries, often associated with the samurai warrior class. One famous historical figure with this name was Jun Kunisada (1786-1865), a renowned ukiyo-e woodblock print artist from the late Edo period. His vibrant depictions of kabuki actors and courtesans have become iconic representations of Japanese art and culture.

Another notable individual was Jun Uchida (1876-1938), a Japanese politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the early years of the Showa era. His efforts in promoting international cooperation and diplomacy helped shape Japan's foreign policy during a turbulent period in its history.

In ancient Korea, the name Jun was also used, often spelled as 준 (jun). One prominent figure was Jun Kwang-hun (1539-1616), a renowned philosopher and scholar during the Joseon Dynasty. His contributions to Neo-Confucian thought and education left a lasting impact on Korean intellectual traditions.

While the name Jun has its roots in East Asian cultures, it has also been adopted and used in other parts of the world, often with slight variations in spelling or pronunciation. For example, in Europe, the name Juno was a Roman goddess associated with marriage and fertility, sharing a similar linguistic origin to the name Jun.

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 Jun was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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