John Lau
Name meaning, origin and global statistics
John Lau is a name that combines Hebrew origins. The first name John is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. From Hebrew Yohanan (יוֹחָנָן), meaning "God is gracious." One of the most consistently popular names in the Western world throughout history. The surname Lau: Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn. John is one of the most widespread first names worldwide, carried by approximately 4.9 million people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name John reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.
Etymology & Origin
First Name: John
Meaning: God is gracious
Hebrew
From Hebrew Yohanan (יוֹחָנָן), meaning "God is gracious." One of the most consistently popular names in the Western world throughout history.
Surname: Lau
Vietnamese
Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn.
Geographic Distribution
The first name John is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:
Popularity Over Time
Popularity of the name John by decade, based on birth registration data:
Name Variants & Related Names
The name John has several variants and related forms across different languages and cultures:
Notable People Named John Lau
People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.
Numerology
According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for John Lau:
Compassion and humanitarianism. A generous, idealistic nature with a sincere desire to improve the world.
Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.
Ambition and material success. Represents power, business acumen and the drive to achieve significant goals.
Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the origin of the first name John?
- The first name John originates from Hebrew. From Hebrew Yohanan (יוֹחָנָן), meaning "God is gracious." One of the most consistently popular names in the Western world throughout history.
- When was John most popular?
- The name John reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
- What is the origin of the surname Lau?
- The surname Lau originates from Vietnamese. Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn.
- What are the origins of the name John Lau?
- The name John Lau combines two different traditions: the first name John has Hebrew roots, while the surname Lau originates from Vietnamese.