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Is John Doe a real person or just a name they give someone who they can't put a name to?

I’ve heard this name for a long time and have always wondered if it’s a real person.

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Answer #1

I believe it’s just a name they commonly use to identify someone who’s identity is unknown, mostly in legal matters. It’s kind of like Jane Doe, or like when they refer to an unknown dog in examples as ‘Fido’.

Answer #2

I think a person with an unknown identity in a legal action [like dead, or the culprit] is referred to as “John Doe” until the identity is reviled. It’s kind of like a place-holder name. Although, Doe is a last name so there are most likely John does.

Answer #3

Poor guy whose real name is John Doe. I knew a John Doe and everyone thought it was a bad joke, but guess his parents just weren’t too educated.

Answer #4

Well…. At one point John Doe was a person that locked himself in his entire life just about I dont know if Jand Doe was a real person but ya John Doe was a real person

Answer #5

That’s right!! I forgot about Jane Doe!! :S My bad.

Answer #6

John Doe, Jane Doe, and Baby Doe are the names given to the deceased before true identity is established. It is now used universally in jokes, TV scripts/movies, and just as a general place holder when you can’t think of somebody’s name.

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