Jan

Origin and meaning of Jan

Jan is the Polish, Czech, German and Dutch form of John, going back to the Hebrew Yōḥānān, 'God is gracious.' By way of Greek and Latin Iohannes it spread across Europe to become one of its most deeply rooted men's names. It is among the most common names in Poland, the Netherlands and the German-speaking world, where its short, solid sound is prized for simplicity and reach.

Variants around the world

How Jan sounds in other languages.

Famous people

• Jan van Eyck— painter
• Jan III Sobieski— king