Juana is of Spanish and Latin American origin, meaning 'God is gracious'. It is the female form of Juan, which itself means 'graced by God' or 'merciful of God'. In many Spanish-speaking countries, Juana was a popular choice for girls in the past centuries, often used alongside other traditional names like María and José. The name Juana has been carried by notable figures throughout history, including Juana la Loca (Joanna the Mad), Queen of Castile, and Juana Azurduy, a heroine of the South American wars of independence. Today, it is still used in Spain and Latin America but has gained some popularity elsewhere due to its distinctive sound and cultural significance.
"Juana was quite popular in the late 20th century, with a peak of 9 births in 1989. However, it seems to have declined since then, with only one year (1993) exceeding five births after 2004."