Johnson
A patronymic surname from John + -son, literally “son of John”.
Every Johnson since 1880 — 7,043 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Johnson
Johnson is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #3,406 in 2025 with 34 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 7,043 American babies have been named Johnson. Its peak came in 2000, when 111 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2000s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Johnson stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Johnson year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | 34 | #3,406 |
| 2024 | — | — | 32 | #3,559 |
| 2023 | — | — | 48 | #2,714 |
| 2022 | — | — | 49 | #2,691 |
| 2021 | — | — | 46 | #2,753 |
| 2020 | — | — | 62 | #2,221 |
| 2019 | — | — | 59 | #2,323 |
| 2018 | — | — | 55 | #2,402 |
| 2017 | — | — | 61 | #2,204 |
| 2016 | — | — | 72 | #2,001 |
| 2015 | — | — | 75 | #1,941 |
| 2014 | — | — | 61 | #2,219 |
| 2013 | — | — | 62 | #2,150 |
| 2012 | — | — | 64 | #2,114 |
| 2011 | — | — | 72 | #1,939 |
| 2010 | — | — | 60 | #2,197 |
| 2009 | — | — | 85 | #1,779 |
| 2008 | — | — | 71 | #1,995 |
| 2007 | — | — | 95 | #1,629 |
| 2006 | — | — | 94 | #1,568 |
| 2005 | — | — | 78 | #1,717 |
| 2004 | — | — | 87 | #1,536 |
| 2003 | — | — | 97 | #1,384 |
| 2002 | — | — | 79 | #1,564 |
| 2001 | — | — | 82 | #1,490 |
| 2000 | — | — | 111 | #1,216 |
| 1995 | — | — | 93 | #1,204 |
| 1990 | — | — | 89 | #1,153 |
| 1985 | — | — | 82 | #1,008 |
| 1980 | — | — | 55 | #1,249 |
| 1975 | — | — | 25 | #1,915 |
| 1970 | — | — | 19 | #2,094 |
| 1965 | — | — | 37 | #1,261 |
| 1960 | — | — | 38 | #1,279 |
| 1955 | — | — | 31 | #1,386 |
| 1950 | — | — | 46 | #1,044 |
| 1945 | — | — | 47 | #947 |
| 1940 | — | — | 32 | #1,196 |
| 1935 | — | — | 39 | #1,031 |
| 1930 | — | — | 52 | #932 |
| 1925 | — | — | 57 | #894 |
| 1920 | — | — | 69 | #809 |
| 1915 | — | — | 74 | #677 |
| 1910 | — | — | 24 | #592 |
| 1905 | — | — | 38 | #327 |
| 1900 | — | — | 36 | #370 |
| 1895 | — | — | 13 | #589 |
| 1890 | — | — | 16 | #471 |
| 1885 | — | — | 13 | #534 |
| 1880 | — | — | 13 | #512 |
Famous people named Johnson
- Johnson Toribiong Politician · b. 1946
- Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi Politician · 1924–1966
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Johnson mean?
A patronymic surname from John + -son, literally “son of John”.
How popular is the name Johnson in 2025?
Johnson ranked #3,406 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 34 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Johnson?
7,043 babies have been named Johnson in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Johnson most popular?
Johnson peaked in 2000, when 111 newborns received the name.
Is Johnson a boy or girl name?
Johnson is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Johnson rising or falling?
Johnson is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Johnson?
Well-known people named Johnson include Johnson Toribiong (politician), Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (politician).