Joan is a name of Spanish origin, meaning "God is gracious." It is derived from the Hebrew name Johanan, which means "Yahweh is gracious." The name has been used throughout history, with some notable figures including Joan of Arc, the French heroine who led her country against English occupation during the Hundred Years' War. In literature, there is also a character named Joan in Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre." Today, Joan remains a popular choice for girls' names in many countries around the world.
The name Joan has seen a significant upsurge in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1903 and 2023, there have been a total of 7,249 births registered with the name Joan.
The early 20th century saw relatively low numbers of newborn girls named Joan, with only five births recorded in 1903. However, by 1925, the number had risen to 27 births, and it continued to increase throughout the remainder of the decade.
The 1930s marked a turning point for the name Joan's popularity. In 1930, there were 68 births, which rose to 81 in 1931 and peaked at 90 in 1935. The latter half of the decade saw a decrease, with numbers fluctuating between 64 and 90 births annually.
The trend of increased popularity continued into the post-World War II era. In the 1950s, the number of Joan births ranged from a low of 19 in 1948 to a high of 32 in 1955. The 1960s showed similar variability, with numbers ranging between 14 and 30.
However, it was not until the late 1980s that Joan's popularity began to climb significantly once more. In 1987, there were 33 births; this number almost doubled by 1990, reaching 46. The trend continued into the next decade, with 170 births recorded in 2000.
The early 21st century has seen Joan's popularity remain consistently high, with over 150 births annually since 2003. In recent years, between 165 and 201 births have been recorded each year, indicating that the name Joan continues to be a popular choice among parents in the United States.
In conclusion, while Joan's popularity has ebbed and flowed over the past century, it has seen significant periods of growth, particularly during the mid-20th century and again in recent decades. As of 2023, Joan remains a well-loved and widely chosen name for newborn girls across the United States.