Johnson is a widespread patronymic name carried into Ireland from across the water.
Where does the Johnson name come from?
Johnson means “son of John” — John being one of the most popular personal names in all of Christendom, from a Hebrew name meaning “God is gracious.” It is a common patronymic of English and Scottish origin, and overlaps in the north with the Scottish border name Johnston.
Johnson in Ireland
The name came to Ireland with English and Scottish settler families and became established here, especially in Ulster, over the centuries. In some Irish cases it also stood in for the Gaelic Mac Sheoin or a similar name by translation. As a settled name, Johnson is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Jennings, Jones, and Barry.
Carry the Johnson name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the Johnson collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Johnson an Irish surname?
Johnson is of English and Scottish origin and became a settled name in Ireland, especially in Ulster, through settler families.
What does Johnson mean?
It means “son of John,” from a Hebrew personal name meaning “God is gracious.”
Is there a Johnson family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our Johnson products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.
