Jovan is a name of Serbian origin, meaning "God is gracious." It is derived from the Serbian form of the name Ioannes, which is ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
The name Jovan has been popular in Serbia and other Slavic countries for centuries. In fact, several Serbian kings and princes throughout history have borne this name, including Jovan Nemanjić, who ruled in the 13th century and was later canonized as a saint.
In recent years, Jovan has also gained popularity beyond its traditional borders. It is now used as a given name for boys in many parts of the world, including the United States and Western Europe.
Overall, Jovan is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history and meaningful origin. Its unique sound and powerful meaning make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a memorable name for their son.
The name Jovan has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 9,796 births recorded between 1966 and 2023. The first notable spike in births occurred in 1975, with 50 babies named Jovan. This number continued to rise steadily throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, reaching a peak of 240 births in 1979.
The popularity of the name Jovan remained high throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, with an average of around 250 births per year. However, it began to decline in the mid-1990s, dropping below 200 births per year by 1996.
Despite this decline, the name Jovan has continued to be popular among parents in the United States. Between 2000 and 2023, there have been an average of around 150 births per year with the name Jovan. The most recent data shows that there were 94 births in 2023.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Jovan has fluctuated over the years, it has remained a popular choice among parents in the United States for several decades.