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John Doe facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The name John Doe is used when people need to talk about a male person whose real name isn't known. It's also used when someone's identity needs to be kept a secret for legal reasons. For females, the name Jane Doe is used instead.

What is a John Doe?

A "John Doe" is like a placeholder name. Think of it as a temporary label for someone whose true identity is unknown. This name helps people talk about a person without knowing their actual name. It's often used in serious situations.

Where Are These Names Used?

These special names are used in a few different places:

  • Legal Cases: In court or legal discussions, if a person's identity is unknown, they might be called John Doe. This helps the legal process move forward.
  • Hospitals: If a patient arrives at a hospital and can't say who they are, they might be listed as John Doe or Jane Doe. This allows doctors to give them care right away.
  • Examples: Sometimes, teachers or people making forms use John Doe or Jane Doe as an example. For instance, a form might show "Name: John Doe" to show you where to write your own name.

Why Do We Use Placeholder Names?

The main reason for using names like John Doe is to protect privacy or to deal with unknown identities. It allows official processes to continue even when a real name isn't available. It also prevents sharing someone's private information if it's not necessary.

Other Placeholder Names

While John Doe and Jane Doe are very common, other placeholder names exist. Sometimes, people use "Joe Bloggs" in the United Kingdom and other places. It means the same thing: just a general, unnamed person used as an example.

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