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.

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.

More Like This

Is Kvothe a real name? Do you know anyone with that name? - 1 Answers
I know the main character in The Name of the Wind is called Kvothe, but I was curious if real people are called that.
What is the name of someone who reads someone elses will out? - 1 Answers
What is the name of those people who read out someone elses will, and then hand out the inheritances and things?
How peoples name effect their personality? - 2 Answers
Do peoples name effect their personality?(does all johns have a personality trait)
what does it mean when someone says the gift that keeps on giving w - 2 Answers
what does it mean when someone says the gift that keeps on giving what do they mean by that?
When writing last name, then first, where do you write the Ph? - 3 Answers
Where do you write the Ph of a person if u have to write the name in a manner that the last name is first (eg Smith, John). D...
What nickname can I give my boyfriend if his name is Jacob? - 3 Answers
My boyfriends name is Jacob and I don't know what nickname I should give him.
track someone down with no address no second name - 3 Answers
ok how can I track someone down with no address no second name only first name and city { is it even possible} PLEASE HELP
What information do i give to someone so they can mail me something? - 1 Answers
Me and this person online are doing a secret santa thing and I would like to know what information I need to give so that the...
What nick name would you give me? - 4 Answers
What nick name would you give me???
Can someone give me a name for a girl that means poison or death? - 19 Answers
Make sure its a unique name. No mean comments please! Be mean somewhere else!

Ask an advisor one-on-one!

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

Real Star Coin

John K. Coyle

MR JOHN SZEPIETOWSKI

Frank Rosso Real Estate

John Hossack Funerals