Joh

Joh is a masculine given name, often used as a short form of Johannes or Johan. In some contexts it is also used as a standalone given name. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning “Yahweh is gracious.”

Usage and variants vary by language. In Dutch and Afrikaans, Joh commonly functions as a familiar form of Johannes or Johan, while Johan and Johannes are common full given-name forms in those languages. Variants found in related languages include Ioan, Johan, and Johannes, which share the same roots but differ in spelling and pronunciation. Pronunciation differs by language and region, with approximate renditions such as /joː/ or /jo/ in many European languages.

In onomastics, Joh appears primarily as a given name rather than a surname, and its frequency as an independent name varies by country and era. The form is more prevalent in older naming traditions in some regions and is less common in contemporary naming pools, where longer forms like Johannes or Johan are often preferred.

See also the related names Johan and Johannes, as well as the shorter form Jo, which are etymologically connected and frequently confused or conflated in casual references.