The name John is an English form of Johannes,
which is the Latin form of the Greek name Ioannes,
which is itself derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "Yahweh is merciful".
Famous bearers
Bearers include John Tolkien (1892 - 1973), an English writer who is best known as the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings;
John Lennon (1940 - 1980), an English songwriter, singer, and instrumentalist who gained worldwide fame as one of the founders of The Beatles;
John Travolta (born 1954), an American actor, singer, and entertainer.
