John Doe (fictional name)

John Doe is a generic placeholder name used in the United States to refer to an unidentified or anonymous male individual, especially in legal or official contexts. When the person's true name is unknown, or when privacy is required, "John Doe" is used to refer to him in documents, cases, or discussions, serving as a stand-in until his identity is revealed or identified. The female equivalent is "Jane Doe." These names provide a standardized way to refer to individuals when specifics are unavailable or need to be kept confidential.