Why is Johns Hopkins University Called “Johns” and Not “John”?

Johns Hopkins University, one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the United States, got its name from its founding benefactor, Johns Hopkins. This article delves into the fascinating history behind the naming of Johns Hopkins University, its connections to the Johns family name, and why the name includes two surnames. We will also explore key details about Johns Hopkins, including his early life and the legacy he left behind.

The Origin of the Name

Johns Hopkins University is named after its founder, Johns Hopkins - hence the use of "Johns" and not "John." This raises the question of why the name includes the additional "s." Let's explore why this is the case.

Johns Hopkins: An Actual Person

According to historical records, Johns Hopkins was an actual person, whose first name was indeed Johns. Historical documents show that this name used to be more common. The Johns Hopkins University - Wikipedia entry provides more details on the early history of the university and the name's origins.

The Family Connection

The Johns Hopkins family name can be traced back through generations. The story starts with a woman named Margaret Johns, who married into the Hopkins family. One of her children combined the two family names, resulting in the name Johns Hopkins, which became the grandfather of the philanthropist and entrepreneur Johns Hopkins who founded the institutions.

The Use of “The”

One interesting detail about the name is the official use of the definite article "the." The university's official name is "The Johns Hopkins University," not just "Johns Hopkins University." This is an important point to note.

Historical Context

Johns Hopkins, the founder, was born as the result of a complex family lineage. His great-grandmother's maiden name was Margaret Johns. This is not the end of the story however; the name Johns Hopkins is also significant because it reflects the prominence of philanthropy in the family.

Contributions and Legacy

Johns Hopkins was a prominent philanthropist. He used his wealth to establish a medical institution, which is a significant part of the Johns Hopkins University. Mr. Hopkins' bequest was substantial, estimated to be around 140 million dollars in today's currency, which underscores the importance of his contribution to the university.

The Naming of Institutions

The Johns Hopkins institutions, including the university, reflect the deep family legacy and the significant contributions of the Johns family to American academia and healthcare. The university's dormitory bathrooms are named "Hopkins' Johns" which is a playful nod to the university's namesake.

My Personal Experience

As someone who grew up in Maryland, I was excited when I got accepted into Johns Hopkins University. During my freshman year, I participated in secret indoctrination discussions where the university's founding story was shared. It was interesting to learn that the university was established by a pair of Hopkins brothers, both named John, hence the name "Johns Hopkins."

Conclusion

The name Johns Hopkins University comes with a rich historical background and is reflective of the family lineage and contributions of the Johns family. The use of 'Johns' and not 'John' in the name highlights the significance of the family name in the university's establishment and legacy.

References

Johns Hopkins University - Wikipedia Johns Hopkins - Wikipedia Johns Hopkins University Historical Record