The Greatest And Most Popular Johns in History

One very common and popular English name is John. Here are the most prolific persons in history that bear the name John.

1. Saint John the Baptist

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This popular character in the Bible is well-remembered for baptizing Jesus Christ at the Jordan River. Saint John the Baptist who died c. 30 was a preacher and ascetic who according to Christian tradition, attracted large crowds on the banks of the Jordan River, suggesting repentance and baptism in view of the imminent coming of the Kingdom of God. He was killed by Herod Antipas, whom John had denounced for his (incestuous) marriage.

2. Saint John the Evangelist

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Saint John the Evangelist or the Beloved Disciple is traditionally the name used to refer to the author of the Gospel of John and the First Epistle of John. Traditionally he has been identified with John the Apostle. The identification with the author of the Second and Third Epistle of John and the author of the Book of Revelation is a long-held tradition, though debated among some historical-critical scholars.

3. Saint John the Apostle

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Saint John the Apostle was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. Christian tradition identifies him as the author of several New Testament works: the Gospel of John, the Epistle of John and the Book of Revelation. Many modern scholars believe that John the Apostle, John the Evangelist, and John of Patmos refer to three separate individuals. This can be determined via new means of inquiry such as textual criticism. Certain lines of evidence suggest that John of Patmos wrote only Revelation, not the Gospel of John nor the Epistles of John. For one, the author of Revelation identifies himself as "John" several times, but the author of the Gospel of John never identifies himself directly.

4. John of Patmos

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John of Patmos is the name given to the author of the Book of Revelation (or Book of the Apocalypse) in the New Testament. According to the text of Revelation, the author, who gives his name as "John," is living in exile on the Greek island of Patmos. In Revelation, he writes to the seven Christian churches in Asia to relate two apocalyptic visions he has had. John of Patmos is often referred to as John the Divine, or John the Theologian, and the message he received is considered divine Revelation by most Christians. Apocalypse is a Greek word for revelation or uncovering, and divines an old Anglican usage meaning theologian. He is also known as the Eagle of Patmos and John the Seer.

5. John Fitzgerald Kennedy

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One of the most popular presidents of the US is John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy. He was born in 1917 and was assassinated in November, 1963. He is often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963.

6. John Adams

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John Adams is remembered in history for being the 2nd President of the US after serving as America's first Vice President for two terms. He is regarded as one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the US.

7. John Wesley

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John Wesley who was born in 1703 and died in 1791 was an Anglican cleric and Christian theologian who was the founder of the (Evangelical) Arminian Methodist movement. Methodism was originally an unflattering nickname of the "Holy Club" at Oxford University founded by Charles Wesley but led by Brother John. Methodism was well advanced in England through George Whitefield who had taken over the responsibility of the Holy Club while the Wesley brothers were in Savannah, Georgia British North America.

8. King John

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John reigned as king of England from 6 April 1199 until his death in 1216. He is well remembered in history for signing the great charter (Magna Carta). Magna Carta is a document that limited his power and that is popularly regarded as an early first step in the evolution of modern democracy. He has often appeared in historical fiction, particularly as an enemy of Robin Hood

9. John Bull

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John Bull is a national personification of the United Kingdom in general and England in particular. He is sometimes used to refer to the whole of the UK, but has not been widely accepted in Scotland or Wales because he is viewed there as English rather than British. In the Philippines, its national personification is "Juan Dela Cruz"; Juan is the Spanish form of John.

10. John Stockton

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Only a few persons by the name of John became famous in sports. One of these few is John Houston Stockton. John Stockton is a retired American professional NBA player who spent his entire career from 1984 to 2003 as a point guard for the Utah Jazz. Stockton is regarded as one of the best point guards of all time, holding the NBA records for most career assists and steals by considerable margins.

11. John McEnroe

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Another famous John in the world of sport is John McEnroe. John Patrick McEnroe, Jr. who was born on February 16, 1959 is an American former World No.1 professional tennis player. McEnroe won seven Grand Slam singles titles-three at Wimbledon and four at the US Open-nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles, and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title. He is remembered for his shot-making artistry and superb volleying; for his famous rivalries with Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, and Ivan Lendl; for his confrontational on-court behavior, which frequently landed him in trouble with umpires and tennis authorities; and for the catchphrase "You cannot be serious!" directed toward an umpire during a match at Wimbledon in 1981. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1999.

12. John Travolta

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Undoubtedly, this John is one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood. John Joseph Travolta is a two-time Academy Award, BAFTA Award and Screen Actors Guild Award-nominated and Golden Globe Award-winning American actor, dancer and singer. He is best known for his leading roles in films such as Saturday Night Fever, Grease, Face-Off, Pulp Fiction, the General's Daughter and many more.

13. John Lennon

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This John is one of the most popular persons in the entertainment world. He was born John Winston Lennon on October 9, 1940 and was assassinated on December 8, 1980. He was an English rock musician, singer, writer, songwriter, artist, actor and peace activist who gained worldwide fame as one of the founding members of The Beatles.  In 2002, respondents to a BBC poll on the 100 Greatest Britons voted Lennon into 8th place. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Lennon number 38 on its list of "The Immortals: The Fifty Greatest Artists of All Time" and ranked The Beatles at number one.

John McCain? Well, I should have included him on the list if he won the elections.

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