The name Yohan has its origins in Hebrew and is a variation of the biblical name Yohanan, which means "Graced by God" or "Yahweh is gracious." This name can be traced back to ancient Judea and the time of the Second Temple period, when it was a common name among Jews living in the region.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Yohan can be found in the New Testament of the Bible, where it refers to John the Baptist, a Jewish preacher who baptized Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, he is referred to as "Yohanan the Baptist," which later evolved into the English name John.

In the early centuries of Christianity, the name Yohan gained popularity among Christian communities, particularly in regions with strong Greek and Byzantine influences. It was a common name among early Christian saints and scholars, such as Yohan Chrysostom (347-407 CE), a renowned preacher and Archbishop of Constantinople.

During the Middle Ages, the name Yohan spread throughout Europe, taking on various spellings and forms in different languages. In France, it became Jean, while in Germany, it evolved into Johann. In Spain and Portugal, it became Juan and João, respectively.

One of the most famous historical figures bearing the name Yohan was Yohan Gutenberg (c. 1400-1468), the German inventor credited with the development of the printing press and movable type, which revolutionized the spread of knowledge and literature in Europe.

Another notable figure was Yohan Calvin (1509-1564), a French theologian and influential figure in the Protestant Reformation, who played a significant role in the development of Calvinism.

In the Islamic world, the name Yohan was also present, often spelled as Yahya or Yaḥyā. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Yahya ibn Adi (893-974 CE), a renowned Arab Christian philosopher and theologian who made significant contributions to the field of logic and metaphysics.

Throughout history, there have been many other notable individuals who bore the name Yohan, including Yohan Kepler (1571-1630), a German astronomer and mathematician who formulated the laws of planetary motion, and Yohan Sebastien Bach (1685-1750), the renowned German composer and musician who left an indelible mark on the world of classical music.