Johnson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Johnson come from? What does the surname Johnson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Johnson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
John, Jantzen, Jeansonne, Jonson
Surname Johnson Origin: What does the last name Johnson mean?
Johnson is a patronymic surname of Anglo-Norman origin, meaning "son of John". The name John is derived from Latin Johannes, which comes from Hebrew Yohanan, meaning "Yahweh has favoured". The surname first appeared in records in the United Kingdom in the early 12th century and has since become the second most common surname in the United States.
YourRoots data confirms the Johnson surname's association with the United Kingdom from the 12th to the 15th century, with significant growth in the 16th century. By the 17th century, there was a notable increase in Johnson family records in the United States, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Johnson surname is not confined to the United States but has a global presence, appearing in various countries and reflecting its widespread distribution over the centuries.
Johnson Last Name History: Where did the last name Johnson come from?
Origin of Johnson Surname: Where does the last name Johnson originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Johnson first appears in records from the United Kingdom around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only the Johnson spelling in the YourRoots database and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Johnson: What does the Johnson surname history look like in the early days?
The Johnson surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 12th through the 15th century. It started growing significantly in the 16th century still in the United Kingdom. By the 17th century, YourRoots data shows an even more significant increase of Johnson family records in the United States, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Johnson surname today?
The Johnson surname remains prominently associated with the United States as per the volume of records in the 20th century and the early 21st century. However, it is not confined to this region. The Johnson surname appears in many countries, testifying to its global spread over the centuries. It is important to note that the countries mentioned here are based on YourRoots data and may not completely represent the global distribution of the surname.
Explore Johnson last name heritage and Johnson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Johnson Surame?
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Douglas Johnson (born May 2, 1972) is a renowned American actor and former professional wrestler known as The Rock. He has starred in various blockbuster films like the Fast & Furious and Jumanji franchises. Johnson's charisma and talent have made him one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors.
Dakota Johnson
Dakota Mayi Johnson (born Oct 4, 1989) is an American actress known for her role in the Fifty Shades film series. She comes from a family of actors, including parents Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith. Johnson has also starred in a variety of other films, showcasing her talent and versatility in the industry.
Rocky Johnson
Rocky Johnson (Wayde Douglas Bowles, Aug 24, 1944 - Jan 15, 2020) was a Canadian professional wrestler. He was the first Black NWA Georgia Heavyweight Champion and the first black WWF Tag Team Champion. Father of actor and wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Betsey Johnson
Betsey Johnson (August 10, 1942) is an American fashion designer known for her colorful, whimsical designs. She is famous for her over-the-top creations and signature cartwheel ending in a split at the end of her fashion shows. Johnson has been a prominent figure in the fashion industry for decades.
Amy Jo Johnson
Amy Jo Johnson (Oct 6, 1970) is an American and Canadian actress, musician, and filmmaker. She is best known for her roles in "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers," "Felicity," and "Flashpoint." Johnson has also released three studio albums and directed several films.
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