Joan (first Name)
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Joan (female name: ; male name: ) is both a feminine form of the personal name ''John'' given to females in the Anglosphere; and the native masculine form of ''John'' (for males) in the Catalan-
Valencian Valencian can refer to: * Something related to the Valencian Community ( Valencian Country) in Spain * Something related to the city of Valencia * Something related to the province of Valencia in Spain * Something related to the old Kingdom of ...
and
Occitan language Occitan (; ), also known by its native speakers as (; ), sometimes also referred to as Provençal, is a Romance language spoken in Southern France, Monaco, Italy's Occitan Valleys, as well as Spain's Val d'Aran in Catalonia; collectively, ...
s. In both cases, the name is derived from the
Greek Greek may refer to: Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor of all kno ...
via the
Latin Latin ( or ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally spoken by the Latins (Italic tribe), Latins in Latium (now known as Lazio), the lower Tiber area aroun ...
and (or and ), and is thus cognate with
John John is a common English name and surname: * John (given name) * John (surname) John may also refer to: New Testament Works * Gospel of John, a title often shortened to John * First Epistle of John, often shortened to 1 John * Second E ...
and related to its many forms, including its derived feminine forms. The name was disseminated widely into many languages and cultures from the
Greek Greek may refer to: Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor of all kno ...
name (romanised, ), along with its feminine form (romanised, ). Its ultimate origin, as with ''John'', is from the
Hebrew Hebrew (; ''ʿÎbrit'') is a Northwest Semitic languages, Northwest Semitic language within the Afroasiatic languages, Afroasiatic language family. A regional dialect of the Canaanite languages, it was natively spoken by the Israelites and ...
(), " Graced by Yah", or (), "
Yahweh Yahweh was an Ancient Semitic religion, ancient Semitic deity of Weather god, weather and List of war deities, war in the History of the ancient Levant, ancient Levant, the national god of the kingdoms of Kingdom of Judah, Judah and Kingdom ...
is Gracious".


History

The
Anglosphere The Anglosphere, also known as the Anglo-American world, is a Western-led sphere of influence among the Anglophone countries. The core group of this sphere of influence comprises five developed countries that maintain close social, cultura ...
female name ''Joan'' entered the English language through the
Old French Old French (, , ; ) was the language spoken in most of the northern half of France approximately between the late 8th -4; we might wonder whether there's a point at which it's appropriate to talk of the beginnings of French, that is, when it wa ...
forms, ''Johanne'' and ''Jehanne">Johanne">-4; we might wonder whether there's a point at which it's appropriate to talk of the beginnings of French, that is, when it wa ...
forms, ''Johanne'' and ''Jehanne'', female variants of the male name ''Johannes''. In Catalan-Valencian and Occitan, ''Joan'' () has been in continuous use as the native, masculine form of ''John'' since at least the Middle Ages. Its feminine counterpart in these languages is ''Joana''. Historically, ''Joan'' and ''Joam'' were also the main forms of ''John'' in medieval Portuguese (or Galician-Portuguese). The
Lusophone The Portuguese-speaking world, also known as the Lusophone world () or the Lusophony (''Lusofonia''), comprises the countries and territories in which the Portuguese language is an official, administrative, cultural, or secondary language. This ...
world later diverged in adopting ''
João João is a given name of Portuguese origin. It is equivalent to the given name John. The diminutive is Joãozinho and the feminine is Joana. It is widespread in Portuguese-speaking countries. Notable people with the name are enumerated in t ...
'' as its native form of the masculine ''John'', while ''Joana'', as in Catalan and Occitan, remains the female form for Portuguese speakers.


List of figures named Joan

Below are lists of people and fictional characters named or known as ''Joan''. They are divided by gender and time period and within each list are presented alphabetically, by surname or title. Where the same name or title applies to more than one person, each is listed in order of birth year.


Women


Medieval and early modern periods

The following is a list of women known as ''Joan'' who lived in the
Middle Ages In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the 5th to the late 15th centuries, similarly to the post-classical period of global history. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and ...
(from around the 5th to the late 15th centuries) or in the
early modern The early modern period is a Periodization, historical period that is defined either as part of or as immediately preceding the modern period, with divisions based primarily on the history of Europe and the broader concept of modernity. There i ...
(late 15th century) period: *
Joan of Arc Joan of Arc ( ; ;  – 30 May 1431) is a patron saint of France, honored as a defender of the French nation for her role in the siege of Orléans and her insistence on the Coronation of the French monarch, coronation of Charles VII o ...
(1431), patron saint of France, saint and martyr in Anglicanism and Catholicism * Known as ''Joan I'': ** Joan I, Countess of Burgundy (1191–1205) ** Joan I, Countess of Auvergne (1326–1360) **
Joan I, Countess of Dreux Joan may refer to: People and fictional characters *Joan (given name), including a list of women, men and fictional characters ** Joan of Arc (c. 1412–1431), patron saint of France * Joan (surname) Art and media * ''Joan'' (Alexander McQuee ...
(1345–1346) * Joan II, Countess of Auvergne (1378 – c. 1424) *
Joan Beaufort, Countess of Westmorland Joan Beaufort ( 1377 – 13 November 1440) was the youngest of the four legitimised children and only daughter of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (third surviving son of King Edward III), by his mistress, later wife, Katherine de Roet. Sh ...
( – 1440), daughter of
John of Gaunt John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (6 March 1340 – 3 February 1399), was an English royal prince, military leader and statesman. He was the fourth son (third surviving) of King Edward III of England, and the father of King Henry IV. Because ...
, 1st Duke of Lancaster, wife of Ralph de Neville, 1st Earl of Westmorland and Robert Ferrers, 5th Baron Boteler of Wem *
Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scots Joan Beaufort ( 1404 – 15 July 1445) was Queen of Scots from 1424 to 1437 as the spouse of King James I. During part of the minority of her son James II (from 1437 to 1439), she served as the regent of Scotland, the first dowager Queen of ...
(1445) * Joan, Countess of Blois (died 1292) *
Joan of Penthièvre Joan of Penthièvre (; c. 1319 – 10 September 1384), sometimes called Joan the Lame, reigned as Duchess of Brittany together with her husband, Charles of Blois, between 1341 and 1364. Her ducal claims were contested by the House of Mo ...
(1319–1384) * Women who were also called ''Joan of England'': **
Joan of England, Queen of Sicily Joan of England (October 1165 – 4 September 1199) was by marriage List of Sicilian royal consorts, Queen of Sicily and Countess of Toulouse. She was the seventh child of King Henry II of England and Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine. From her birt ...
(1165–1199) **
Joan, Lady of Wales Joan, Lady of Wales and Lady of Snowdon, also known by her Welsh language, Welsh name often written as Siwan (said, approximately /''sɪuːan''/) (/92 – 2 February 1237) was an Royal bastard, illegitimate daughter of King John of England, and t ...
(1188–1237), wife of Llywelyn the Great, the Prince of Wales, and daughter of John, King of England **
Joan of England, Queen of Scotland Joan of England (22 July 1210 – 4 March 1238), was Queen of Alba (Scotland) from 1221 until her death as the wife of Alexander II. She was the third child of John, King of England and Isabella of Angoulême. Life Joan was sought as a brid ...
(12101238) **
Joan of Acre Joan of Acre (April 1272 – 23 April 1307) was an English princess, a daughter of Edward I of England and Eleanor of Castile. The name "Acre" derives from her birthplace in the Holy Land while her parents were on a crusade. She was married tw ...
, Countess of Gloucester (1272–1307) daughter of Edward I of England **
Joan of the Tower Joan of the Tower (5 July 1321 – 7 September 1362), daughter of Edward II of England and Isabella of France, was Queen of Scotland from 1329 to her death as the first wife of King David II. Life The youngest daughter of King Edward II of Eng ...
(1321–1362), first Queen consort of David II of Scotland **
Joan of Kent Joan, Countess of Kent suo jure ( – August 1385),Barber, R.  (2004, 23 September). Joan, suo jure countess of Kent, and princess of Wales and of Aquitaine alled the Fair Maid of Kent(c. 1328–1385). ''Oxford Dictionary of National Biog ...
(1328–1385), Princess of Wales, "the fair maid of Kent", wife of Edward the Black Prince and mother of King Richard II of England ** Joan of England (1348), daughter of Edward III; betrothed to
Peter of Castile Peter (; 30 August 133423 March 1369), called Peter the Cruel () or the Just (), was King of Castile and León from 1350 to 1369. Peter was the last ruler of the main branch of the House of Ivrea. He was excommunicated by Pope Urban V for h ...
, but died aged 14 of the
Black Death The Black Death was a bubonic plague pandemic that occurred in Europe from 1346 to 1353. It was one of the list of epidemics, most fatal pandemics in human history; as many as people perished, perhaps 50% of Europe's 14th century population. ...
while en route to Castile for her marriage *
Joan, Countess of Flanders Joan, often called Joan of Constantinople ( 1199 – 5 December 1244), ruled as Count of Flanders, Countess of Flanders and Count of Hainaut, Hainaut from 1205 (at the age of six) until her death. She was the elder daughter of Baldwin I of Cons ...
(1244), also called Joan or Joanna of Constantinople *
Joan of France, Duchess of Berry Joan of France (; 23 April 1464 – 4 February 1505), sometimes called Joan the Lame (), was briefly Queen of France as wife of King Louis XII, in between the death of her brother, King Charles VIII, and the annulment of her marriage. After th ...
(Saint Joan of Valois; 1464–1505), nun, and briefly Queen of France *
Joan of France, Duchess of Brittany Joan of France or Joan of Valois (; 24 January 1391 – 27 September 1433) was Duchess of Brittany by marriage to John V. She was a daughter of Charles VI of France and Isabeau of Bavaria.Potter, Philip J., Kings of the Seine: The French Rulers fr ...
13911433 * Women also known as ''Joan of Habsburg'': **
Joanna of Austria, Princess of Portugal Joanna of Austria (in Castilian, ''Doña Juana de Austria''; in Portuguese, ''Dona Joana de Áustria'', 24 June 1535 – 7 September 1573) was Princess of Portugal by marriage to João Manuel, Prince of Portugal. She served as regent of ...
(15351573) **
Joanna of Austria, Grand Duchess of Tuscany Joanna is a feminine given name deriving from from . Variants in English include Joan, Joann, Joanne, and Johanna. Other forms of the name in English are Jan, Jane, Janet, Janice, Jean, and Jeanne. The earliest recorded occurrence of t ...
(15471578) *
Joan the Lame of Burgundy Joan of Burgundy (; 1293 – 12 December 1349), also known as Joan the Lame (), was Queen of France as the first wife of King Philip VI. Joan ruled as regent while her husband fought on military campaigns during the Hundred Years' War in 1340 ...
(1293–1348), first Queen consort of Philip VI of France * Joan of Lancaster (1310–1345) *
Joan of Lusignan Joan of Lusignan (1260 – 13 April 1323) was a French noblewoman. She succeeded her uncle, Guy de la Marche, Knight, sometime in the period, 1310/13, as Lady of Couche and Peyrat, but not as Countess of La Marche since after her sister, Yolande's ...
(died 1322) *
Joan of Lestonnac Jeanne de Lestonnac, ODN (December 27, 1556 – February 2, 1640), also known as Joan of Lestonnac, was a Catholic Church in France, French Catholic nun who founded the Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady in 1607. The institute, approved by ...
(1556–1640), Saint Joanna of Toulouse * Also called ''Joan of Naples'': **
Joanna I of Naples Joanna I, also known as Johanna I (; December 1325 – 27 July 1382), was Queen of Naples, and Countess of Provence and Forcalquier from 1343 to 1381; she was also Princess of Achaea from 1373 to 1381. Joanna was the eldest daughter of C ...
(1325–1382) **
Joanna II of Naples Joanna II (; 25 June 1371 – 2 February 1435) was Queen of Naples from 1414 to her death in 1435, when the Capetian House of Anjou became extinct. As a mere formality, she used the title of Queen of Jerusalem, Sicily, and Hungary. Early ...
(1373–1435) **
Joanna of Aragon, Queen of Naples Joanna of Aragon (, ; 16 June 1455 – 9 January 1517) was Queen of Naples as the second wife of King Ferdinand I. She served as regent (General Lieutenant) of Naples between the abdication and flight of her husband's son Alfonso II on 22 Feb ...
(1454–1517), wife of Ferdinand I of Naples **
Joanna of Naples (1478–1518) Joanna of Naples (15 April 1478 – 27 August 1518) was Queen of Naples by marriage to her nephew, Ferdinand II of Naples. After the death of her spouse, she was for a short while a candidate for the throne. Life Joanna was born at Naples, a ...
, Queen of Naples and queen consort of Ferdinand II of Naples * Those known as ''Joan of Navarre'': **
Joan I of Navarre Joan I (14 January 1273 – 31 March/2 April 1305) (, Spanish: ''Juana'') was ruling Queen of Navarre and Countess of Champagne from 1274 until 1305. She was also Queen of France by marriage to King Philip IV. She founded the College of Nava ...
(1273–1305) **
Joan II of Navarre Joan II (, , ; 28 January 1312 – 6 October 1349) was Queen of Navarre from 1328 until her death in 1349. Joan was the only surviving child of Louis I of Navarre and Margaret of Burgundy. Her father ascended the French throne as Louis X in ...
(1312–1349), princess of France ** Joan of Navarre (1326–1387), nun, daughter of Joan II of Navarre and Philip III of Navarre **
Joan of Navarre, Queen of England Joan of Navarre, also known as Joanna ( – 10 June 1437) was Duchess of Brittany by marriage to Duke John IV and later Queen of England as the wife of King Henry IV. Joan was a daughter of Charles II of Navarre and Joan of France. She serve ...
(c. 13681437) * Called ''Joan of Portugal'': **
Joan of Portugal Joan of Portugal ( uˈɐnɐ 31 March 1439 – June 13, 1475) was the Queen of Castile as the second wife of King Henry IV of Castile. The posthumous daughter of King Edward of Portugal and Eleanor of Aragon, she was born in the Quinta ...
, queen of Castile (14391475) **
Joanna, Princess of Portugal Joanna of Portugal OP (6 February 1452 – 12 May 1490; , ) was a Portuguese regent princess of the House of Aviz, daughter of King Afonso V of Portugal and his first wife Queen Isabel of Coimbra. She served as regent during the absence of ...
(1452–1490) princess and Catholic saint ** Joana, Princess of Beira (1635–1653), Portuguese *
Joan of Scotland, Countess of Morton Princess Joan Stewart, Countess of Morton,"According to modern usage this lady would be titled princess, but the sons and daughters of the Kings of Scotland were seldom given that style of courtesy until after the union of the Crowns." Maxwell, ' ...
(c. 14281486) *
Joan Shakespeare Joan Hart (née Shakespeare; baptised 15 April 1569 – buried 4 November 1646) was the sister of William Shakespeare. She is the only member of the family whose known descendants continue down to the present day. Life Joan was William Shakespear ...
(1569–1646), sister of
William Shakespeare William Shakespeare ( 23 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's nation ...
* Joan of Spain (1535–1573), of Spain *
Joan of Taranto Joan of Taranto (died March 1323) was Queen of Armenia by marriage to Oshin, King of Armenia. As daughter of Philip I, Prince of Taranto, she was a member of the Capetian House of Anjou. Life Joan was daughter of Philip I, Prince of Taranto ...
(died 1323), Queen of Armenia * Joan, Countess of Toulouse (1220–1271) * Women called ''Joan of Valois'': ** Joan of Valois, Countess of Hainaut (1294–1352) ** Joan of Valois, Countess of Beaumont (1304–1363) ** Joan of Valois, Queen of Navarre (1343–1373) **
Joan of Valois, Duchess of Alençon Joan of Valois (13 September 1409, in Blois – 19 May 1432, in Angers) was the only surviving child of Charles, Duke of Orléans, and Isabella of Valois. She held the title Duchess of Alençon when married to John II of Alençon. Family J ...
(1409–1432) **
Joan of France, Duchess of Bourbon Joan of France, Duchess of Bourbon (; 4 May 1435 – 1482), also known as Joan of Valois, was the seventh child and fourth daughter of Charles VII of France and Marie of Anjou. She was the original owner of the book of hours of Joan of France, ...
(1435–1482)


Modern era

*
Joan Allen Joan Allen (born August 20, 1956) is an American actress. Known for her work on stage and screen, she has received a Tony Award as well as nominations for three Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and three Golden Globe Awa ...
(born 1956), American film actress * Joan Anim-Addo (), Grenadian-born academic, poet, playwright and publisher *
Joan Armatrading Joan Anita Barbara Armatrading (, born 9 December 1950) is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist. Her first major commercial success came with her third and fourth albums, '' Joan Armatrading'' (1976) and '' Show Some Emotion'' (1977), a ...
(born 1950), British singer *
Joan Marie Aylward Joan Marie J. Aylward (born 1956) is a Canadian former politician serving as the 15th and current lieutenant governor of Newfoundland and Labrador. She previously sat in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly from 1996 to 2003 as a mem ...
, Canadian politician *
Joan Baez Joan Chandos Baez (, ; born January 9, 1941) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and activist. Her contemporary folk music often includes songs of protest and social justice. Baez has performed publicly for over 60 years, releasing mo ...
(born 1941), American singer-songwriter * Joan Barclay (1914–2002), American actress * Joan Barnett (1945–2020), American casting director and television executive producer *
Joan Bennett Joan Geraldine Bennett (February 27, 1910 – December 7, 1990) was an American stage, film, and television actress, one of three acting sisters from a show-business family. Beginning her career on the stage, Bennett appeared in more than 70 fil ...
(1910–1990), American actress * Joan Benoit (born 1957), American marathon runner *
Joan Bielski Joan Margaret Bielski, , (27 November 1923 – 17 August 2012) was an Australian activist for equality for women in employment, education and public life. Early life Born at Narrabri, New South Wales to Francis Ward (a banker) and Doris (née Bu ...
(1923–2012), Australian activist *
Joan Blackman Joan Blackman (born May 17, 1938, San Francisco, California) is an American former actress. Film Blackman appeared in her first motion picture, '' Good Day for a Hanging'', in 1959. She had significant roles in two Elvis Presley films: she play ...
(born 1938), American actress *
Joan Blondell Rose Joan Blondell (August 30, 1906 – December 25, 1979) was an American actress who performed in film and television for 50 years. Blondell began her career in vaudeville. After winning a beauty pageant, she embarked on a film career, estab ...
(1906–1979), American actress * Joan Bodger (1923–2002), American writer, storyteller and educator * Joan Cather (1882–1967), British suffragette *
Joan Caulfield Beatrice Joan Caulfield (June 1, 1922 – June 18, 1991) was an American actress and model. After being discovered by Broadway producers, she began a stage career in 1943 that eventually led to signing as an actress with Paramount Pictures. Ear ...
(1922–1991), American actress *
Joan Chandler Joan Chandler (born Joan Cheeseman; August 24, 1923 – May 11, 1979) was an American actress who notably starred in ''Rope'' (1948) with James Stewart and '' Humoresque'' (1946) with Joan Crawford. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Cheeseman, ...
(1923–1979), American actress *
Joan Chen Joan Chen (simplified Chinese; 陈冲; born April 26, 1961) is an American actress and film director. She made her film debut in the Chinese film ''Youth'' (1977) before starring in the film (1979). She came to the attention of American audien ...
(born 1961), Chinese-American actress and director *
Joan Collins Dame Joan Henrietta Collins (born 23 May 1933) is an English actress, author and columnist. She is the recipient of several accolades, including a Golden Globe Awards, a People's Choice Award, two Soap Opera Digest Awards and a Primetime Emm ...
(born 1933), English actress and author *
Joan Ganz Cooney Joan Ganz Cooney (born Joan Ganz; November 30, 1929) is an American television writer and producer. She is one of the founders of Sesame Workshop (formerly ''Children's Television Workshop'' or CTW), the organization famous for the creation of ...
(born 1929), American television producer *
Joan Cooper Joan Cooper (23 August 1922 – 1 July 1989) was a British actress. Her second husband was the actor Arthur Lowe whom she met at the Manchester Repertory Theatre in 1946. They were married at the Register Office, Strand, London, in January 19 ...
(1914–1999), English civil servant and social worker *
Joan Crawford Joan Crawford (born Lucille Fay LeSueur; March 23, 190? was an American actress. She started her career as a dancer in traveling theatrical companies before debuting on Broadway theatre, Broadway. Crawford was signed to a motion-picture cont ...
(born between 1904 and 1908; died 1977), American actress * Joan Crossley-Holland (1912–2005), English gallery owner and potter *
Joan Cusack Joan Mary Cusack ( ; born October 11, 1962) is an American actress and comedian. She received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her roles in the comedy-drama '' Working Girl'' (1988) and the romantic comedy '' In ...
(born 1962), American actress *
Joan Davis Josephine "Joan" Davis (June 29, 1912 – May 23, 1961) was an American comedic actress whose career spanned vaudeville, film, radio, and television. Remembered best for the 1950s television comedy '' I Married Joan'', Davis had a successful ea ...
(1907–1961), American actress and comedian * Joan Davis (cricketer) (1911–2004), Welsh cricketer *
Joan Didion Joan Didion (; December 5, 1934 – December 23, 2021) was an American writer and journalist. She is considered one of the pioneers of New Journalism, along with Gay Talese, Truman Capote, Norman Mailer, Hunter S. Thompson, and Tom Wolfe. Didio ...
(1934–2021), American writer *
Joan Dowling Joan Dowling (6 January 1928 – 31 March 1954) was a British character actress. Life and career Dowling was the illegitimate daughter of Vera Dowling. A piece in ''The Laindon and District Times'', on 23 June 2015, written by her cousin Jo ...
(1928–1954), British actress * Joan Eardley (1921–1963), British painter * Joan Embery (born 1949), American zoologist and conservationist * Joan Evans (disambiguation), multiple people *
Joan Feynman Joan Feynman (March 31, 1927 – July 21, 2020) was an American astrophysicist and space physicist. She made contributions to the study of solar wind particles and fields, sun-Earth relations, and magnetospheric physics. She was known for cre ...
(1927–2020), American astrophysicist * Joan Bamford Fletcher (1909–1979), Canadian member of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry *
Joan Fontaine Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland (October 22, 1917 – December 15, 2013), known professionally as Joan Fontaine, was an English-American actress best known for her roles in Hollywood films during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Fontaine appeared in ...
(1917−2013), British-American actress * Joan Gilbert (1906−1991), English broadcaster * Joan Gomberg (born 1957), American research geophysicist * Joan Gould (1927–2022), American author and journalist *
Joan Greenwood Joan Mary Waller Greenwood (4 March 1921 – 28 February 1987) was an English actress. Her husky voice, coupled with her slow, precise elocution, was her trademark. She played Sibella in the 1949 film ''Kind Hearts and Coronets'', and also app ...
(1921−1987), English actress * Joan Grounds (1939–2010), American-born Australian artist * Joan Haanappel (1940–2024), Dutch figure skater and sports presenter *
Joan Hackett Joan Ann Hackett (March 1, 1934 – October 8, 1983) was an American actress.Obituary, '' Variety'', October 12, 1983. She acted in film, television, and theatre. She played roles in '' The Group'' (1966), '' Will Penny'' (1968), '' Support Yo ...
(1934–1983), American actress *
Joan B. Hague Joan B. Hague is an American politician from New York, United States. Life She was born Joan Spillane Barber in Glens Falls, Warren County, New York. She graduated from Tusculum College in 1951, and later attended for some time Fairleigh Dickinso ...
(active 1971–1982), American politician * Joan Hansen (born 1958), American long-distance runner * Joan Harnett (born 1943), New Zealand netball player and real estate agent *
Joan Hickson Joan Bogle Hickson (5 August 1906 – 17 October 1998) was an English actress of theatre, film and television. She was known for her role as Agatha Christie's Miss Marple in the television series '' Miss Marple''. She also narrated a number of ...
(1906–1998), English actress * Joan Higginbotham (born 1963), American astronaut *
Joan Hotchkis Joan Hotchkis (September 21, 1927 – September 27, 2022) was an American stage, screen and television actress, writer and performance artist. A lifetime member of the Actors Studio and the Dramatists Guild, Hotchkis was best known for playing D ...
(1927–2022), American actress * Joan Humphreys, former Hong Kong international lawn bowler * Joan Jameson (1892–1953), Irish painter *
Joan Jara Joan Alison Turner Roberts (born Joan Alison Turner, 20 July 1927 – 12 November 2023), known as Joan Jara or Joan de Jara was a British-Chilean dancer, activist, and widow of Chilean icon, democratic socialist, actor, dramaturg, theatre direc ...
(born 1927), British-Chilean dancer and widow of Víctor Jara *
Joan Jefferson Farjeon Joan Jefferson Farjeon (26 May 1913 – 8 August 2006) was an English scenographer and costume designer. Born into a literary family, she began illustrating in 1939 and began working as a sceneographer and costume designer in 1941, working in th ...
(1913–2006), English scenographer and scenic designer *
Joan Jett Joan Jett (born Joan Marie Larkin; September 22, 1958) is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actress. Often referred to as the "Honorific nicknames in popular music#J, Godmother of Punk", she is regarded as a Pop icon, rock icon and ...
(born 1958), American musician * Joan Jones (1939–2019), Canadian businesswoman and civil rights activist * Joan O. Joshua (1912–1993), English veterinary surgeon, dog breeder and feminist * Joan Kennedy (soldier) (1908–1956), Canadian soldier * Joan Kennedy Taylor (1926–2005), American writer and political activist *
Joan Bennett Kennedy Virginia Joan Kennedy ( Bennett, born September 2, 1936) is an American socialite. She was the first wife of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy. Early life Virginia Joan Bennett was born at Mother Cabrini Hospital in New York City. She was raised in a ...
(born 1936), American socialite, and first wife of U.S. Senator
Ted Kennedy Edward Moore Kennedy (February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009) was an American lawyer and politician from Massachusetts who served as a member of the United States Senate from 1962 to his death in 2009. A member of the Democratic Party and ...
* Joan Kennedy (musician) (–c. 2000), Canadian country music singer *
Joan La Barbara Joan Linda La Barbara (born June 8, 1947) is an American vocalist and composer known for her explorations of non-conventional or "extended" vocal techniques. Considered to be a vocal virtuoso in the field of contemporary music, she is credited ...
(born 1947), American vocalist and composer * Joan Marie Laurer ("Chyna"; 1969–2016), American pornographic actress, bodybuilder, model, and former professional wrestler * Joan Lawson (1907–2002), English ballet dancer and writer * Joan Leemhuis-Stout (born 1946), Dutch politician * Joan Le Mesurier (1931–2021), English actress and author *
Joan Leslie Joan Leslie (born Joan Agnes Theresa Sadie Brodel; January 26, 1925 – October 12, 2015) was an American actress and vaudevillian, who during the Hollywood Golden Age, appeared in films such as '' High Sierra'' (1941), ''Sergeant York'' (1941) ...
(1925–2015), American actress *
Joan Lin Joan Lin Feng-jiao (born 30 June 1952) is a Taiwanese people, Taiwanese former actress. She is married to Hongkongers, Hong Kong actor and martial artist Jackie Chan. Early life Born 30 June 1952 in Taipei, Lin was the second child out of five ch ...
(born 1953), Taiwanese actress *
Joan Lindsay Joan à Beckett Weigall, Lady Lindsay (16 November 189623 December 1984) was an Australian novelist, playwright, essayist, and visual artist. Trained in her youth as a painter, she published her first literary work in 1936 at age forty under a ...
(1896–1984), Australian author, best known for her novel ''Picnic at Hanging Rock'' *
Joan Littlewood Joan Maud Littlewood (6 October 1914 – 20 September 2002) was an English theatre director who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and is best known for her work in developing the Theatre Workshop. She has been called "The Mother of M ...
(1914–2002), English theatre director *
Joan Lunden Joan Lunden (born Joan Elise Blunden, September 19, 1950) is an American journalist, author, and television host. Lunden was the co-host of ABC's ''Good Morning America'' from 1980 to 1997, and has authored over ten books. She has appeared on th ...
(born 1950), American journalist, author and television presenter *
Joni Mitchell Roberta Joan Mitchell (née Anderson; born November 7, 1943) is a Canadian and American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and painter. As one of the most influential singer-songwriters to emerge from the 1960s folk music circuit, Mitch ...
(born Roberta Joan Mitchell, 1943), Canadian-American artist * Joan Moriarty (1923–2020), British nursing administrator * Joan Trumpauer Mulholland (born 1941), American civil rights activist * Joan Murray (disambiguation), multiple people *
Joan O'Brien Joan Marie O'Brien (February 14, 1936 – May 5, 2025) was an American actress and singer. She made a name for herself acting in television shows in the 1950s and 1960s and as a film co-star with Cary Grant, Elvis Presley, John Wayne, and Jerry ...
(1936–2025), American actress and singer * Joan O'Malley (active 1964–1996), Canadian civil servant * Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor (born 1966), Nigerian politician *
Joan Orenstein Joan Orenstein (December 4, 1923 – October 10, 2009) was a British-born Canadian actress, primarily on stage, although she performed in other media. One of her best-known roles was in the 1997 film '' The Hanging Garden'' as the dotty old g ...
(1923–2009), Canadian actress *
Joan Osborne Joan Elizabeth Osborne (born July 8, 1962) is an American singer, songwriter, and interpreter of music, having recorded and performed in various popular American musical genres including rock, pop, soul, R&B, blues, and country. She is best kn ...
(born 1962), American singer-songwriter *
Joan Plowright Joan Ann Olivier, Baroness Olivier (; 28 October 1929 – 16 January 2025), commonly known as Dame Joan Plowright, was an English actress whose career spanned over six decades. She received several accolades including two Golden Globe Awards, an ...
(1929–2025), English actress * Joan Rayner (1900–1999), Australian theatre educator * Joan Redwing (active from ), materials scientist and professor *
Joan Regan Joan Regan (born Joan E. Bethell; 19 January 1928 – 12 September 2013) was an English traditional pop singer, popular during the 1950s and early 1960s. Biography Joan E. Bethell was born in either Romford, Essex, or West Ham, London (sour ...
(1928–2013), English singer * Joan Rice (1930–1997), English actress *
Joan Richmond Joan Richmond (1905–1999) was an Australian pioneer in motorsport who competed internationally in seven Monte Carlo rallies and two Le Mans 24 Hours races. Early life and education Joan Richmond was born in Cooma in 1905 and grew up in Vict ...
(1905–1999), Australian racing driver *
Joan Rimmer Joan Rimmer (11 December 1918 – 29 December 2014) was an English musicologist who specialised in the history of musical instruments (especially the Irish harp) and in historical dance forms. She was also a pioneer in ethnomusicology who presen ...
(1918–2014), English musicologist *
Joan Riviere Joan Hodgson Riviere ( Verrall; 28 June 1883 – 20 May 1962) was a British psychoanalyst, who was both an early translator of Freud into English and an influential writer on her own account. Life and career Riviere was born Joan Hodgson Verral ...
(1883–1962), English psychoanalyst *
Joan Rivers Joan Alexandra Molinsky (June 8, 1933 – September 4, 2014), known professionally as Joan Rivers, was an American comedienne, actress, producer, writer and television host. She was noted for her blunt, often controversial comedic persona that w ...
(1933–2014), American comedian, talk show host and businesswoman * Joan R. Rosenblatt (1926–2018), American statistician *
Joni Robbins Joni Robbins (born Joan Eva Rothman, died September 21, 2020) was an American veteran voice actress. Biography In the 1950s, her family moved to Los Angeles so that her father Michael "Max" Rothman could work as a masseur at the Beverly Hills Hea ...
(born Joan Eva Rothman; died 2020), American voice actress *
Joan Robinson Joan Violet Robinson ( Maurice; 31 October 1903 – 5 August 1983) was a British economist known for her wide-ranging contributions to economic theory. One of the most prominent economists of the century, Robinson incarnated the "Cambridge Sc ...
(1903–1983), British economist *
Joan Semmel Joan Semmel (born October 19, 1932) is an American feminist painter and professor emeritus in painting. She is best known for her large-scale naturalistic nude self portraits as seen from her perspective looking down. Education and political in ...
(born 1932), American feminist painter *
Joan Severance Joan Marie Severance (born December 23, 1958) is an American actress and former fashion model. Early life Severance was born in Houston, Texas, the daughter of Martha and John C. Severance. Her father was an IBM systems manager who had to move ...
(born 1958), American model and actress * Joan Silber (born 1945), American writer *
Joan Sims Irene Joan Marion Sims (9 May 1930 – 27 June 2001) was an English actress and comedienne, best remembered for her roles in the ''Carry On'' franchise, appearing in 24 of the films (the most for any actress). On television, she is known for ...
(1930–2001), English actress *
Joan Micklin Silver Joan Micklin Silver (May 24, 1935 – December 31, 2020) was an American director of films and plays. Born in Omaha, Silver moved to New York City in 1967 where she began writing and directing films. She is best known for her debut film Hester S ...
(1935–2020), American film director *
Joan Smalls Joan Smalls Rodriguez (born July 11, 1988) is a Puerto Rican model and television personality. In 2011, she became the first Latinas, Latina model to represent Estee Lauder Companies, Estée Lauder cosmetics. In 2013, she entered ''Forbes'' maga ...
(born 1988), Puerto Rican model and television personality * Joan Smith (disambiguation), multiple people * Joan Staniswalis (1957–2018), American statistician * Joan Steinbrenner (1935–2018), American vice-chair of the New York Yankees baseball team *
Joan Sutherland Dame Joan Alston Sutherland, (7 November 1926 – 10 October 2010) was an Australian dramatic coloratura soprano known for her contribution to the renaissance of the bel canto repertoire from the late 1950s to the 1980s. She possessed a voice ...
(1926–2010), Australian opera singer * Joan Sydney (1936–2022), English-Australian actress *
Joan Taylor Joan Taylor (August 18, 1929 – March 4, 2012) was an American television and film actress. Personal life Taylor was born Rose Marie Emma in Geneva, Illinois. Her father, Joseph Emma, from Sicily, was a Theatrical property, prop man in Hollywo ...
(1929–2012), American actress *
Joan Tewkesbury Joan Tewkesbury (born April 8, 1936) is an American film and television director, writer, producer, choreographer and actress. She had a long association with the celebrated director Robert Altman, writing the screenplays for '' Thieves Like Us' ...
(born 1936), American film and television director and screenwriter *
Joan Thiele Alessandra Joan Thiele (; born 21 September 1991), known professionally as Joan Thiele, is an Italian singer-songwriter. Early life Alessandra Joan Thiele was born in Desenzano del Garda, Brescia, to an Italian mother from Naples and Swiss fathe ...
(born 1991), Italian singer-songwriter * Joan Tower (born 1938), American composer *
Joan Vass Joan Vass (1925-2011) was an American knitwear designer and founder of the company bearing her name. Early life and career Joan Isabel Kaplan was born in New York City on 19 May 1925. She studied philosophy and history of art at Vassar and the U ...
(1925-2011), American fashion designer. *
Joan Wall Joan Boyd Wall (born in Baton Rouge) is a retired American operatic mezzo-soprano, voice teacher, and author on the art of singing. In 1957 she was a finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. She was a principal performer at ...
(1933–2023), English field hockey player and sports administrator * Joan Walters (1924-2011), American professor * Joan Wexler (born 1946), American Dean and President of
Brooklyn Law School Brooklyn Law School (BLS) is a Private university, private law school in New York City. Founded in 1901, it has approximately 1,100 students. Brooklyn Law School's faculty includes 60 full-time faculty, 15 emeriti faculty, and adjunct faculty. ...
* Joan S. Whitmore (1922–2002), South African hydrologist specialising in agriculture and water * Joan Wyndham (1921–2007), British writer and memoirist


Men

The following is a list of men known as ''Joan'': *
John John is a common English name and surname: * John (given name) * John (surname) John may also refer to: New Testament Works * Gospel of John, a title often shortened to John * First Epistle of John, often shortened to 1 John * Second E ...
or Joan, a (local chieftain or ruler) in
Wallachia Wallachia or Walachia (; ; : , : ) is a historical and geographical region of modern-day Romania. It is situated north of the Lower Danube and south of the Southern Carpathians. Wallachia was traditionally divided into two sections, Munteni ...
around 1247 * Joan Adon (born 1998), MLB pitcher for Washington Nationals *
Joan Blaeu Joan Blaeu (; 23 September 1596 – 21 December 1673), also called Johannes Blaeu, was a Dutch cartographer and the official cartographer of the Dutch East India Company. Blaeu is most notable for his map published in 1648, which was the fir ...
(1596–1673), Dutch cartographer * Joan Boada, Cuban ballet dancer *
Joan Capdevila Joan Capdevila Méndez (; born 3 February 1978) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a left-back. Over 15 seasons in La Liga, he amassed totals of 410 matches and 36 goals, mainly for Deportivo and Villarreal. In a 21-yea ...
(born 1978), Spanish footballer *
Joan Comorera Joan Comorera i Soler (or Juan Comorera y Soler; 5 September 1894 – 7 May 1958) was a Spanish Communist politician, journalist and writer from Catalonia who spent several years in Argentina before returning to Spain in 1931 at the start of the S ...
(1894–1958), Spanish communist politician * Joan Cornellà (born 1981), Spanish cartoonist and illustrator * Joan Milton Cwaik (born 1990), Argentinian technology communicator and entrepreneur *
Joan Daemen Joan Daemen (; born 1965) is a Belgians, Belgian cryptographer who is currently professor of digital security (symmetric encryption) at Radboud University. He co-designed with Vincent Rijmen the Rijndael cipher, which was selected as the Advance ...
(born 1965), Belgian cryptographer and inventor of
Rijndael The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), also known by its original name Rijndael (), is a specification for the encryption of electronic data established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2001. AES is a variant ...
* Joan Ignasi Elena (born 1968), Catalan politician *
Joan Gamper Hans Max Gamper-Haessig (; 22 November 1877 – 30 July 1930), commonly known as Joan Gamper (), was a Swiss-born football executive and versatile athlete. He founded football clubs in Switzerland and Spain, most notably Barcelona and Zürich. ...
(1877–1930), Swiss-born Spanish footballer and businessman most famous as the founder of
FC Barcelona Futbol Club Barcelona (), commonly known as FC Barcelona and colloquially as Barça (), is a professional Football club (association football), football club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, that competes in La Liga, the top flight of ...
*
Joan Gaspart Joan Gaspart i Solves (; born 11 October 1944) is a Spanish businessman and a former Barcelona president between July 2000 and February 2003. He was born in Barcelona. He was vice president of the club during the presidency of Josep Lluís Nu ...
(born 1944), Spanish businessman and president of FC Barcelona (2000–2003) *
Joan Laporta Joan Laporta i Estruch (; born 29 June 1962) is a Spanish businessman, politician, and current president of FC Barcelona. Laporta is a lawyer (he graduated from the University of Barcelona) with his own firm, Laporta & Arbós, which has a nu ...
(born 1962), Spanish lawyer and president of FC Barcelona (2003–2010) *
Joan Llaneras Joan Llaneras Rosselló (born 17 May 1969 in Porreres, Majorca) is a former Spanish World and Olympic points race champion track cyclist. He specialises in the madison and points race events. Llaneras began his cycling career on the road wit ...
(born 1969), Spanish track cyclist *
Joan Majó Joan Majó i Cruzate (born 19 June 1938) is a Spanish politician who served as minister of industry and energy from July 1985 to July 1986. References External links * 1939 births Living people Polytechnic University of Catalonia alumn ...
(born 1938), Spanish politician * Joan Martorell (1833–1906), Spanish architect *
Joan Mir Joan Mir Mayrata (, born 1 September 1997) is a Spanish Grand Prix motorcycle racing, Grand Prix motorcycle racer riding for the Honda HRC Castrol team in the MotoGP World Championship. Mir is best known for winning the 2020 MotoGP World Champions ...
(born 1997), Spanish motorcycle racer *
Joan Miró Joan Miró i Ferrà ( , ; ; 20 April 1893 – 25 December 1983) was a Catalan Spanish painter, sculptor and Ceramic art, ceramist. A museum dedicated to his work, the Fundació Joan Miró, was established in his native city of Barcelona ...
(1893–1983), Spanish artist *
Joan Oumari Joan Noureddine Oumari (, ; born 19 August 1988) is a former professional Association football, footballer who played as a centre-back. After playing for eight seasons in Germany, between the Berlin-Liga, fifth and 2. Bundesliga, second divisio ...
(born 1988), Lebanese footballer *
Joan Ribó Joan Ribó Canut (; born 17 September 1947) is a Spanish politician and engineer who was the mayor of Valencia from 2015 to 2023. Ribó is a member of Coalició Compromís. Career Ribó was born on 17 September 1947 in Manresa in the Province o ...
(born 1947), Spanish politician * Joan Roca i Fontané (born 1964), Spanish chef *
Joan Sebastian José Manuel Figueroa Sr. (April 8, 1951 – July 13, 2015), known professionally as Joan Sebastian (), was a Mexican singer and songwriter. Born in Juliantla, Guerrero, he composed more than 1,000 songs, including compositions for artists such ...
(1951–2015), Mexican vocalist *
Joan Manuel Serrat Joan Manuel Serrat Teresa (; born 27 December 1943) is a Spanish musician, singer, and composer. He is considered one of the most important figures of modern, popular music in both Spanish and Catalan languages. Serrat's lyrical style has b ...
(born 1943), Spanish songwriter *
Joan Villadelprat Joan Villadelprat i Bernal (born 15 November 1955) is the principal of the Spanish race team Epsilon Euskadi. He worked for McLaren, Scuderia Ferrari, Ferrari and Tyrrell Racing before joining Benetton Formula. He was formerly Operations Director a ...
, Former Operations Director and Team Manager at
Benetton Formula Benetton Formula Limited., commonly referred to simply as Benetton, was a Formula One constructor that participated from to . The team was owned by the Benetton family who run a worldwide chain of clothing stores. In 2000, the team was purcha ...
* Joan Verdú (born 1983), Spanish footballer * Joan Voûte (1879–1963), Dutch astronomer * Joan van der Waals (1920–2022), Dutch physicist


Fictional characters

Legendary or fictional characters called ''Joan'' include: *
Pope Joan Pope Joan (''Ioannes Anglicus'', 855–857) is a woman who purportedly reigned as popess (female pope) for two years during the Middle Ages. Her story first appeared in chronicles in the 13th century and subsequently spread throughout Europe. ...
, 9th century legend * The clone of
Joan of Arc Joan of Arc ( ; ;  – 30 May 1431) is a patron saint of France, honored as a defender of the French nation for her role in the siege of Orléans and her insistence on the Coronation of the French monarch, coronation of Charles VII o ...
is a main character in ''
Clone High ''Clone High'' is an adult animated science fiction sitcom created by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Bill Lawrence for MTV. It premiered on November 2, 2002, in Canada, and January 20, 2003, in the United States. Set at a high school popu ...
'' * Joan Clayton, a character from the TV series ''Girlfriends'', played by
Tracee Ellis Ross Tracee Joy Silberstein (born October 29, 1972), known professionally as Tracee Ellis Ross, is an American actress. She is known for her lead roles in the television series '' Girlfriends'' (2000–2008) and '' Black-ish'' (2014–2022) receivin ...
* Joan Ferguson, a character from the TV series '' Wentworth'' * Joan Girardi, main character in the 2003-2005 fantasy family drama TV series ''
Joan of Arcadia ''Joan of Arcadia'' is an American fantasy family drama television series telling the story of teenager Joan Girardi ( Amber Tamblyn), who sees and speaks with God and performs tasks she is given. The series originally aired on Fridays on CBS f ...
'', played by
Amber Tamblyn Amber Rose Tamblyn (born May 14, 1983) is an American actress and author. She first came to national attention in her role on the soap opera ''General Hospital'' as Emily Quartermaine at the age of 11. She followed with a starring role on the p ...
*
Joan Holloway Joan P. Holloway Harris is a fictional character on the AMC television series ''Mad Men'' (2007–15). She is portrayed by Christina Hendricks. Hendricks has received six consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting ...
, character in the TV series ''
Mad Men ''Mad Men'' is an American historical drama, period drama television series created by Matthew Weiner and produced by Lionsgate Television. It ran on cable network AMC (TV channel), AMC from July 19, 2007, to May 17, 2015, with seven seasons ...
,'' played by
Christina Hendricks Christina Rene Hendricks (born May 3, 1975) is an American actress and former model. With an extensive career on screen and stage, she has received various accolades, including two Screen Actors Guild Awards and two Critics' Choice Awards, as ...
* Joan Lambert, a character in the 1979 '' Alien'', played by
Veronica Cartwright Veronica Cartwright (born April 20, 1949) is an English-born American actress. She appeared in science fiction and horror films, and has three Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Her younger sister is actress Angela Cartwright. As a child actre ...
* Joan Lawson, a character from Small Wonder, played by
Marla Pennington Marla Lynn Pennington (born March 5, 1954) is an American former actress. She is best known for her role as Joan Anderson Lawson on '' Small Wonder'', her last acting role to date. Her other television credits include ''Soap'', ''Diff'rent Str ...
* Joan Thursday, a character from the 2012-2023 TV series '' Endeavour'', played by
Sara Vickers Sara Louise Vickers (born 1985) is a Scottish theatre, television and film actress best known for playing Joan Thursday in the British television detective drama series '' Endeavour'' (2013–2023). Early life and education Vickers was born in ...
*
Joan Watson ''Elementary'' is an American procedural drama television series that presented a contemporary update of Arthur Conan Doyle's character Sherlock Holmes. Created by Robert Doherty and starring Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as ...
, a character from the TV series ''
Elementary Elementary may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Music * ''Elementary'' (Cindy Morgan album), 2001 * ''Elementary'' (The End album), 2007 * ''Elementary'', a Melvin "Wah-Wah Watson" Ragin album, 1977 Other uses in arts, entertainment, an ...
'', played by
Lucy Liu Lucy Alexis Liu (; born December 2, 1968) is an American actress, producer, and artist. Widely regarded as a trailblazer for Asian Americans in arts and entertainment, Asian American representation in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Hollywood, she is t ...
* Sow Joan, an '' Animal Crossing series'' character * Lt. Joan Dark, a character from the 2019 film '' Doom: Annihilation''


See also

* All Wikipedia pages starting with "Joan" *
Saint Joan (disambiguation) Saint Joan may refer to: People * Joan of Arc (c. 1412–1431) * Joanna, Princess of Portugal (1452–1490), beatified Portuguese royalty, known as the Princess Saint Joan in Portugal * Joan of France, Duchess of Berry (1464–1505), Saint Joan ...
*
Sant Joan (disambiguation) Sant Joan (Catalan for ''St John'') is a village and municipality on Majorca in Spain. Sant Joan may also refer to: Places in Spain * Sant Joan de les Abadesses, Ripollès, Catalonia * Sant Joan Despí, Baix Llobregat, Catalonia * Sant Joan d'Ala ...
*
Darby and Joan Darby and Joan is a proverbial phrase for a married couple content to share a quiet life of mutual devotion. Usage ''The Nuttall Encyclopædia'' defined the phrase as "a married couple celebrated for their mutual attachment", the ''Random Hous ...
, expression for a happily married couple who led a placid, uneventful life * Joanie


Explanatory notes


References

{{given name English feminine given names Feminine given names Dutch feminine given names Dutch masculine given names Masculine given names Spanish masculine given names Catalan masculine given names Unisex given names