Saint John facts for kids

Saint John or St. John is a name that many important people, places, and things have. It's a very common name, especially for saints in Christian history. This page will help you learn about some of the most famous people named John, as well as places and other things that share this name.

Famous People Named Saint John

Many people throughout history have been known as Saint John. They are often remembered for their good deeds, teachings, or important roles in religious history.

Early Saints from the Bible

These are some of the earliest and most well-known figures named John, mentioned in the Christian Bible.

John the Baptist

John the Baptist was a very important religious leader who lived around the same time as Jesus. He is famous for baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. Baptism is a special ceremony where water is used to show a person's commitment to their faith. John the Baptist taught people to prepare for the arrival of Jesus and to turn away from bad actions.

John the Apostle and Evangelist

John the Apostle was one of the twelve closest followers, or "apostles," of Jesus. He was very close to Jesus and is often called "the beloved disciple." Many people believe that John the Apostle also wrote the Gospel of John, which is one of the four main books about Jesus's life in the Bible. Because of this, he is also known as John the Evangelist. He is also thought to have written other books in the Bible, like the Book of Revelation.

John of Patmos

John of Patmos is believed to be the author of the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament in the Bible. This book describes visions and prophecies about the end of the world and the future. He wrote it while he was on the island of Patmos. Some traditions say he was the same person as John the Apostle.

Other Important Saints Named John

Over many centuries, other people named John became saints because of their significant contributions or lives.

John Chrysostom

Saint John Chrysostom (347–407) was a very famous speaker and leader in the early Christian church. He was known for his powerful sermons and his ability to explain the Bible clearly. His nickname "Chrysostom" means "golden-mouthed" in Greek, because of his amazing speaking skills. He became the Archbishop of Constantinople, a major city at the time.

Pope John I

Pope John I served as the leader of the Catholic Church from 523 to 526. He was an important figure during a time when different parts of the Christian world were facing challenges. He worked to keep peace and unity within the church.

John the Merciful

Saint John the Merciful (died around 620) was known for his great kindness and generosity. He was the Patriarch of Alexandria, a high religious position. He used his wealth and power to help the poor and needy, earning him the title "the Merciful" or "the Almsgiver."

John of Damascus

Saint John of Damascus (around 676–749) was a very smart monk and priest. He wrote many important books about Christian beliefs and philosophy. He is considered one of the most important thinkers of the early church, and his writings helped shape Christian theology.

John of Rila

Saint John of Rila (876 – around 946) was a Bulgarian hermit. A hermit is someone who lives alone, often in a quiet place, to focus on their spiritual life. John of Rila lived in the mountains and became a very respected figure in Bulgaria. He is considered the patron saint of the Bulgarian people.

John of Nepomuk

Saint John of Nepomuk (around 1340–1396) was a priest from Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic). He is famous for refusing to tell the king what the queen had confessed to him in private. He was martyred for keeping the secrets of the confessional, showing his strong commitment to his religious duties.

John Fisher

Saint John Fisher (1469–1535) was an English bishop and a professor at Cambridge University. He was a very learned man and a strong supporter of the Catholic Church. He was executed for refusing to accept King Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England.

John of God

Saint John of God (1495–1550) was a Portuguese man who dedicated his life to helping the sick and the poor. He founded hospitals and cared for people who were often neglected by society. He started the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God, an order that continues his work today.

John of the Cross

Saint John of the Cross (1542–1591) was a Spanish mystic and poet. A mystic is someone who seeks a deeper, more personal connection with God. He wrote beautiful poems and books about spiritual journeys and is considered one of the greatest Spanish poets.

Jean-Baptiste de la Salle

Saint Jean-Baptiste de la Salle (1651–1719) was a French priest who dedicated his life to education. He is known for founding the Brothers of the Christian Schools, an order that created schools for poor children. He is the patron saint of teachers, showing his lasting impact on education.

John Neumann

Saint John Neumann (1811–1860) was a bishop in Philadelphia, USA. He was born in Bohemia and came to America as a missionary. He worked hard to build new churches and schools, especially for immigrant communities. He was the first American bishop to become a saint.

John Bosco

John Bosco (1815–1888), also known as Don Bosco, was an Italian priest who dedicated his life to helping poor and abandoned children. He founded schools, workshops, and youth centers to give young people a chance at a better life. He is widely known for his work with children and young adults.

The Name 'John' in Other Languages

The name John is popular around the world and appears in many different languages. Here are a few examples:

• Mar Yohanna (Arabic)
• Sant Joan (Catalan)
• Saint-Jean (French)
• Sankt Johann (German)
• Agios Ioannis (Greek)
• San Giovanni (Italian)
• São João (Portuguese)
• San Juan (Spanish)
• Sant Ioan (Welsh)

People with 'St. John' as a Family Name

Sometimes, "St. John" is a family name, not a title of sainthood. Here are a few examples:

• Austin St. John, an American actor.
• Bridget St John, a British singer.
• Henry St John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke (1678–1751), an English statesman and philosopher.
• Ian St. John, a former football player and sports commentator.
• Lara St. John, a Canadian violinist.

Places Named Saint John

Many places around the world are named Saint John, often after one of the famous saints.

Places in Canada

• Saint John, New Brunswick: A city in Canada.
  • Saint John River: A river that flows through New Brunswick and into the United States.

Places in the United Kingdom

• St John, Cornwall: A village in England.
• Saint John, Jersey: A parish on the island of Jersey.

Places in the United States

• St. John, Indiana: A town in Indiana.
• St. John, Kansas: A city in Kansas.
• St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana: A parish (like a county) in Louisiana.
• Saint John Plantation, Maine: A plantation (a type of town) in Maine.
• Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands: An island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• St. John, Washington: A town in Washington state.

Other Things Named Saint John

The name Saint John is also used for organizations, schools, and other things.

• Knights of St. John: A very old military and religious order that helped pilgrims and the sick.
• St. John Ambulance: A worldwide organization that teaches first aid and provides ambulance services.
• York St John University: A university in York, England.
• St. John (store): A luxury fashion brand.
• St. John Catholic School: A school in Toronto, Canada.

Related Pages

• John (disambiguation)
• Saint John's (disambiguation)
• St. John's Cathedral (disambiguation)
• Saint John Cemetery (disambiguation)
• St. John's Church (disambiguation)
• Saint John's College (disambiguation)
• Saint John Parish (disambiguation)
• St. John's School (disambiguation)
• Saint John's University (disambiguation)