João

João is a masculine given name used in Portuguese. It is the Portuguese form of John and derives from the Latin Ioannes, which in turn comes from the Greek Ioannes and ultimately from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious" or "God is gracious." The form João is common in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking communities.

In everyday use, João appears across social strata and is frequently combined in double names such as João Paulo or João Pedro. Diminutives and nicknames vary by region, with Joãozinho being a typical affectionate form. When diacritics are omitted, the name may appear as Joao.

Saints named João contribute to its historical prominence in Catholic cultures; the feast of Saint John the Baptist on June 24 is associated with name-day celebrations in some places, and the name is tied to various cultural festivities and celebrations in Portuguese-speaking countries. It remains a common choice in literature, film, and sport.