Joan facts for kids

Joan is a popular given name for girls in the English language. It comes from the name John, which is a very old and common name for boys. Many famous people throughout history have been named Joan.

In 1988, a very strong hurricane named Joan caused a lot of damage in Nicaragua. Because of the serious impact it had, the name Joan was later removed from the list of names used for hurricanes. This is a common practice for very destructive storms.

What Does the Name Joan Mean?

The name Joan means "God is gracious." It has been used for hundreds of years. It is a classic name that has been popular in many countries.

Famous People Named Joan

Many well-known individuals have carried the name Joan. These include talented actresses and comedians. For example, Joan Rivers was a famous comedian and television host. Joan Crawford was a well-known actress from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Another actress was Joan Caulfield. These women achieved great success in their careers.

The Story of Hurricane Joan

Hurricane Joan was a powerful storm that formed in the Atlantic Ocean in October 1988. It grew very strong and moved across Central America. When it hit Nicaragua, it caused widespread damage to homes, farms, and roads. Many people were affected by the storm.

Because of how much destruction Hurricane Joan caused, the World Meteorological Organization decided to "retire" the name. This means the name Joan will never be used again for another hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean. This is done to honor the victims and to avoid using a name associated with such a terrible event.