Giovanna is a feminine Italian given name with a rich history and beautiful meaning. Derived from the Latin word "Iohannes," which means "God is gracious," Giovanna translates to "God is gracious" or "God has favored me." This name has been popular among Italians for centuries, with its earliest known use dating back to the Middle Ages.
The name Giovanna gained prominence during the Italian Renaissance when it was used by several notable figures. One of the most famous Giovannas from this era is Giovanna degli Albizzi, a prominent Florentine woman known for her intelligence and beauty. She was also a member of one of Florence's most influential families.
Throughout history, the name Giovanna has been associated with various saints and queens. Saint Giovanna Antida Thouret was a French nun who dedicated her life to caring for the sick and poor. Queen Giovanna I of Naples ruled from 1343 until her death in 1382, during which time she defended her kingdom against foreign invasions.
Today, Giovanna remains a popular choice among Italian families and has gained international recognition due to its beauty and meaning. It is often used as an alternative to more common names like Giovanna's English counterpart, Jane, or the French Jeanne. Despite its popularity, Giovanna still retains a unique and elegant quality that sets it apart from other feminine given names.
In terms of usage in popular culture, Giovanna has been used in various films, books, and television shows over the years. Some notable examples include the character Giovanna Plisco in the Italian film "Il Divo," and Giovanna Parry, a character in the British drama series "Gentleman Jack." Overall, Giovanna is a name with deep historical roots and a beautiful meaning that continues to captivate people around the world today.
The name Giovanna has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1904. Between 1904 and 1968, there were fewer than 5 births each year on average.
However, starting from 1969, the popularity of the name Giovanna began to rise steadily. In fact, it was not until 1973 that more than 100 babies were named Giovanna in a single year, with 86 births recorded that year. The trend continued, and by 1987, there were over 140 births.
The peak of popularity for the name Giovanna occurred between 2000 and 2005, with an average of nearly 400 births per year during this period. Since then, the number of babies named Giovanna has fluctuated but remained relatively stable, with around 300 to 400 births each year.
As of 2023, a total of 13,535 babies have been named Giovanna in the United States since 1904. This data shows that while the name Giovanna has not always been among the most popular choices for parents, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout the years and has seen periods of significant popularity.