I would like my son's name to be Johann Svensson; do you think it sounds nice?

Question

When hearing this name, do you have positive reactions to it or would you say it sounds silly/unattractive? Any comments will be appreciated, but please, mature responses only.

((Svensson is our last name, and we are not Swedish directly; it is a last name that has been passed through the generations although I assume there must have been -someone- Swedish but that must have been hundreds of years ago. The first name Johann is pronounced Yohan.))

Answer 1

Common as John Smith in Sweden, there's two Svenssons and a couple of Johan's in my first graders class (although there isn't any kid with both)

Just for pedantry's sake, Johan in Swedish doesn't have two n's, and it's pronounced more like You-ahn with long vowels and a very soft h, barely discernible and nearly a w, in the middle. Stress is on the first syllable.

Actually here, if you want to hear the proper pronunciation:There's a Johan in this year's idol, here's his audition, right at about 22 seconds, the jury member says "tillbaka till Stockholm och vara den där Johan..."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6NrJyca73Y

You might have to listen to it twice (sorry about the singing at the beginning :), but you should be able to pick it out at least by recognising Stockholm.

Answer 2

The fact is... he will be called John by probably the 7th grade.

When you have a girl you can call her Johanna (or Johannah).

That name is out of the generation that would be about 120 years old today.

They all seem to repeat themselves, except for the weird ones where the parents are trying to make a statement such as Moon Beam.

I do like George Forman's kids names. Now that's how you make a statement without being mean to the child.

But yeah, I like the name. Johann means “God is merciful.” It comes from the Hebrew name Yohanan.

Johanna means “God is Gracious.”

Oh, and unlike the pronouncnation of Johann, the girl's name Johanna is pronounced Jo Honna in most of America with Jo Hanna being second in line.

Yeah, I think you did well... good name!

Answer 3

I think it sounds nice. I guess it might depend on where you live and what kind of heritage you have. It might seem silly if you are Hispanic or Italian or something, but I say if you like it go for it. At least it's a real name and not some made up name like so many people seem to be giving their kids these days.

Answer 4

Are you Scandinavian? If not, it might seem a bit strange, but I don't think it sounds awful. I've heard much much MUCH weirder names, believe me. The best names for kids are names that have some significance to you or the family. If this is such a name, go for it. But try to remember yourself as a kid, and ask yourself, "Would I have picked on/beaten up/been friends with/dated a kid with this name?" It can help you pick a great name or avoid a mistake.

I want to name my kids Spanish names, and if they look like me and not my husband, it might be a bit confusing, but who cares? :)

Answer 5

Are you swedish or german? It sounds very swedish when I read it. It is a nice name and if you are in USA, he would be the only boy named Johann in his class. Good luck.

Answer 6

I like the name Johann. I was going to name my baby that if she had been a boy. I had an Eva instead!

Answer 7

It sounds nice but in the future you might have some problems if he does not like his name. Oh, well I guess it beats being named after your dad's first wife.

Answer 8

Sounds what Scandanavian/Dutch or something LOL.
I like it. I think it's pretty cool.

My sister named her daughter's (last name) different from hers which was Anderson to Andreasen makes it sound cooler.

I am suspecting it's pronounced "Yo-Han" right?

Answer 9

No ... not unless the father's name is Sven or your last name is Svensson.

Answer 10

It is nice if you are Swedish. No funny intended, just that it is a name that immediately makes me think Sweds / Blond Hair and yodeling.