Johanna is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, derived from the male name Jonathan. The name Jonathan means "gift of God" and has been used in various forms throughout history.
The name Johanna first appeared as Johanne in France during the Middle Ages, where it was given to both boys and girls. It was not until the 17th century that Johanna became a distinctly feminine name, likely influenced by the Spanish form Juana.
Throughout history, Johanna has been associated with several notable figures. In the Bible, Joanna is mentioned as one of Jesus' female followers. Saint Joan of Arc, born Jehanne d'Arc in France in the late 1400s, is one of the most famous bearers of this name. She led the French army against English occupation during the Hundred Years' War and was later canonized as a saint.
In literature, Johanna has been used as a character name by authors such as George Eliot ("Daniel Deronda") and James Joyce ("Finnegans Wake"). The name has also been popular in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden and Norway, where it peaked in popularity during the late 20th century.
Today, Johanna continues to be a beloved name for girls around the world. Its Hebrew origin gives it a strong biblical connection, while its historical usage provides a rich cultural heritage. Despite its centuries-old roots, Johanna remains a modern and stylish choice for parents seeking a unique yet familiar name for their daughter.
The statistics provided show the annual occurrences of the name Johanna in the United States from 1973 to 2008, with a total of 129 births during this period.
In the early years, between 1973 and 1974, there were fewer than ten girls named Johanna each year. However, there was an increase in popularity starting from 1979, with nine births that year. The popularity peaked in 1985 with fourteen births, marking a significant rise compared to the early years.
After 1985, the popularity of the name Johanna started to decline gradually. From 1986 to 1992, the number of annual births ranged between five and nine, indicating a consistent but not exceptional level of usage.
There was another peak in the mid-1990s, with eight births each year from 1990 to 1992. However, after 1992, the popularity of the name Johanna began to decrease again. In the early 2000s, only six girls were named Johanna in 2001, and five in 2008.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while Johanna was a popular name for babies born between the late 1970s and mid-1980s in the United States, its popularity has fluctuated over time.