The name Joana is of Portuguese origin and is the feminine form of the name John. It is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, which means "Yahweh is gracious" or "God is gracious." In Portuguese culture, the name Joana has been popular for centuries and has been used by several historical figures.
One notable figure with the name Joana was Queen Joanna I of Castile, who ruled from 1504 to 1555. She was known for her political acumen and played a significant role in the unification of Spain under the Habsburg dynasty. Another famous Joana is Saint Joan of Arc, the French heroine who led her country's armies against English forces during the Hundred Years' War.
The name Joana has also been popular in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, where it has been used by many notable individuals throughout history. Today, Joana remains a popular name in Portugal and other parts of the world with Portuguese influence.
In literature, Joana has been used as a character name in several works, including "Joana" by Portuguese writer Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen and "I, Joana" by Brazilian author Maria Firmina dos Reis. These works have helped to further popularize the name and contribute to its cultural significance.
Overall, the name Joana is deeply rooted in Portuguese history and culture, with a meaningful origin that has stood the test of time. Its association with notable figures like Queen Joanna I and Saint Joan of Arc has helped to solidify its place as a beloved and respected name.
The name Joana has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. Between 1896 and 2023, there have been a total of 7,809 births registered with the name Joana.
In the early 20th century, the name was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1896 to 1937. However, starting in 1938, there was a notable increase in popularity, with 18 births that year. This trend continued through the 1940s and 1950s, with an average of around 10-20 births per year.
The 1970s marked a significant turning point for the name Joana. In 1976, there were 38 births, and this number continued to grow throughout the decade, reaching 107 births in 1980. This was the start of a period of considerable popularity for the name.
The peak of popularity for Joana occurred between 1985 and 1990, during which time there were over 200 births per year each year. The highest point was reached in 1990 with 213 births. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with over 200 births per year from 2000 to 2004.
However, since around 2005, there has been a steady decline in the popularity of the name Joana. From 2005 onwards, the number of annual births with this name has consistently been below 200, and it continues to decrease each year. In recent years, from 2019 to 2023, there have been fewer than 100 births per year.
Despite this decline in popularity, Joana remains a classic and timeless name with a rich history. Its varied popularity over the past century shows that it has enduring appeal, even if its level of popularity can fluctuate from decade to decade.