Giovanna is an Italian feminine given name, equivalent to Joan in English and Joanna in Polish. It is the feminine form of Giovanni, the Italian version of John. The name ultimately traces back to the Hebrew name Yahweh, meaning "God is gracious."
Etymology
Giovanna derives from the Latin Iohanna, which comes from the Greek Ἰωάννα (Ioanna), the feminine form of Ioannes. Ioannes itself originates from the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." In the New Testament, Joanna is a follower of Jesus mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (8:3, 24:10).
History and Usage
As an Italian name, Giovanna has been used since the Middle Ages. It appears among Italian royalty and nobility, such as Giovanna of Savoy (1907–2000), who became Tsarina of Bulgaria as the wife of Tsar Boris III. Variations include Gianna, Giannina, and Giovannina, as well as the short forms Giò and Vanna. In Brazilian Portuguese, the name frequently appears as Geovanna.
Notable Bearers
- Giovanna of Savoy (1907–2000), Tsarina of Bulgaria.
- Giovanna (Italian singer), known for her pop career.
- Giovanna Granieri, Italian actress and comedian.
- Giovanna Mingarelli, Italian-Swiss scientist and businesswoman.
- Giovana Queiroz, Brazilian model and television presenter.
Fictional Characters
- Giorno Giovanna, protagonist of Part 5 of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Vento Aureo. Though masculine, the surname shares the root with Giovanna.
Related Names
Cognates include Ioanna (Greek), Jone (Basque), Zhanna (Ukrainian), as well as English variants Shavon and Shavonne.
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Origin: Italian (from Hebrew)
- Type: Feminine form of Giovanni
- Usage Regions: Italy and Italian-speaking communities; also in Brazil (Geovanna)
Roots
Diminutives
Other Languages & Cultures
Sources: Wikipedia — Giovanna