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Joan

Girl name · 265 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Joan: 265 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 36 births in 1974.

Joan carries the Hebrew meaning “God is gracious” through its origin as the feminine form of John, derived from Yochanan. While Joan of Arc—the courageous 15th-century French saint and military leader—remains its most iconic bearer, the name also belonged to Hollywood legend Joan Crawford and folk singer Joan Baez. Its close connection to John links it to countless places named after St. John, such as St. John’s in Newfoundland. In Scotland, Joan was historically interchangeable with the Scottish form Jean, and it enjoyed steady usage well into the 20th century—a classic, understated name with a legacy of strength and grace.

Girl 19 of 52 years

Peak year
197436 babies
Latest (2013)
#8163 babies
Total births
265since 1974
5-year trend
▼ 44%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 1974 · 36
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).