Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Gianna

Gianna is an Italian female name short for Giovanna, the feminine equivalent of Giovanni. The name Giovanni is essentially the Italian equivalent of the English name John both of which are linguistically derived from the Hebrew “Yochanan” meaning "Yahweh (God) is gracious" or "God is generous, merciful". All of the John names were made popular in the Middle Ages among Christians (during the Crusades) in veneration of two important New Testament figures: John the Baptist and John the Apostle. John the Baptist (like Jesus) was born under miraculous circumstances. The angel Gabriel appeared to his father (Zechariah) claiming that God will give his barren wife (Elizabeth) a son (John) to help prepare the way for the Messiah (Jesus). “And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and lived in the wilderness until he became manifest to Israel.” [Luke 1:80]. Because the baby was born to Elizabeth well past her childbearing years, the “John” names were often given to sons born to late-in-life parents. The other Biblical John, John the Apostle, was a fisherman, the brother of James, and a disciple of Christ. He is most known as one of the authors of the four gospels of the New Testament. John’s gospel focuses on Jesus as the “Eternal One of from heaven” and is considerably more theological and philosophical than the other three gospels. As John became one of the most successful names in Western Culture, it’s no surprise that the Johanna (Gianna) female equivalents flourished in their own right. Adding further religious important to Gianna is a female character from the New Testament called Joanna in Latin. She shows up variously in the Gospel According to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles as one of the very few women specifically named as “ministering women” who accompany Jesus on his travels. “And with him were the Twelve and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmaries: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, wife of Chuza, (king) Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their means.” (Luke 8:2-3). These women are also mentioned in Luke 24:10-11 as having witnessed the resurrection, but when they initially described the events to the apostles, they were not believed. It could therefore be argued that Joanna was among the quickest of hearts to believe in Jesus as Christ. This would undoubtedly make Joanna an extremely significant name among the Christians. Giovanna and Gianna (as well as Gia) are Italian forms of the Latin Joanna. Johanna, Joanne, Joan, Joanie, Janna, Jane, Janet, Jean, Jeanette, Ivana, Juana, Juanita and even Sinéad are all variants in other languages, as well.

All About the Baby Name – Gianna

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME GIANNA

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME GIANNA

Gianna is currently the most popular distinctly Italian female name in America right now, enthusiastically embraced by even non-Italian-Americans. The name first appeared on the U.S. popularity charts very recently; it made its debut on the Top 1000 list in 1989. Over the past twenty years, Gianna has increased an average of 40 positions on the chart each year, quickly ascending to America’s Top 100 list in 2006. She seems to be parking herself on the upper end of that list. We’ll have to wait and see if Gianna can maintain her popularity and continue to grow. Gianna is all-Italian and well-equipped with European sophistication. The name is bright and friendly by nature and a solid choice for American parents of Italian heritage, or just those with an appreciation for Italian culture. Gianna is a diminutive of Giovanna, but American parents are ten times more likely to name their daughter Gianna vs. Giovanna. Gia is a pet form that’s simple, shorter and still maintains that same Italian ethnic essence.

Quick Facts

ON GIANNA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Italian

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

86

PRONUNCIATION:

gee-AHN-ah (Italian: JAHN-nah)

SIMPLE MEANING:

God is gracious

Characteristics

OF GIANNA

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Gianna

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME GIANNA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Gianna

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME GIANNA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Gianna


Popular Songs

ON GIANNA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Gianna


Famous People

NAMED GIANNA

Gianna Pederzini (opera singer)
Gianna Rolandi (opera singer)
Gianna Beretta Molla (recent Italian saint)

Children of Famous People

NAMED GIANNA

Kobe Bryant;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME GIANNA

A very new saint in the Catholic Church, Gianna Beretta Molla died in 1962 and was canonized as a saint in 2004. She was an Italian pediatrician who had complications with her fourth pregnancy. She was given three options: an abortion, a hysterectomy or an operation that would likely create further complications. While the Church forbids abortion, the hysterectomy would have been acceptable (although both choices would have resulted in the death of her unborn child). Gianna insisted on preserving the life of her child, knowing full well the chances for her own survival. On Good Friday, 1962, she gave birth to a healthy daughter named Gianna, but subsequently died herself. She is now the patron saint to mothers, physicians, and preborn children. Her feast day is April 28.