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Joanna Girl

Popularity: #303 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationjo-AN-uh / /dʒoʊˈænə/

Hebrew; Latin; Greek

Meaning

Hebrew: God is gracious; Latin: feminine form of John

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Joanna has its roots in the Hebrew name יוֹחָנָן (Yochanan), which means "God is gracious." This name was adapted into Greek as Ἰωάννης (Ioannes) and subsequently into Latin as Ioanna, which is the feminine form of the male name Johannes. The transition into English occurred through Old French, where the name was rendered as Johanne or Johanna, before finally becoming Joanna in Middle English. The evolution of the name reflects a common practice in the adaptation of biblical names across languages and cultures, particularly during the spread of Christianity in Europe.

Historically, Joanna appears in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Luke, where she is mentioned as one of the women who supported Jesus and was present at his crucifixion and resurrection. This association with significant biblical events has contributed to the name's enduring presence in Christian contexts. Additionally, various saints named Joanna have been recognized throughout the centuries, further solidifying the name's religious significance. The name has been used in various forms across different cultures, including the Italian Gianna and the Spanish Juana, each carrying similar meanings and connotations.

Culturally, Joanna has been associated with grace and favor, reflecting its etymological roots. The name has appeared in literature and art, often symbolizing virtue and piety. Notably, the name has been borne by several historical figures, including Joanna of Castile, a queen in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, whose life story has been the subject of various artistic interpretations. The name's resilience through centuries of linguistic and cultural shifts underscores its significance in both religious and secular contexts.

Trend Summary

Joanna has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., peaking in the mid-20th century and experiencing a decline since.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Joanne
  • Joana
  • Johanna

International Variants

  • Giovanna (Italian)
  • Juana (Spanish)
  • Johanna (German)

Famous people named Joanna

Joanna Lumley is an actress and activist best known for Absolutely Fabulous, The New Avengers, and her travel documentaries.

Joanna Gaines is a television personality and designer best known for Fixer Upper, Magnolia Network, and her home decor line.

Joanna Krupa is a model and television personality best known for Dancing with the Stars, The Real Housewives of Miami, and her work with PETA.

Joanna Newsom is a musician and songwriter best known for Ys, Have One on Me, and her unique harp playing style.

Joanna Cassidy is an actress best known for Blade Runner, Six Feet Under, and The Accidental Tourist.

Joanna Page is an actress best known for Gavin & Stacey, Love Actually, and her work in television and film.

Fictional characters named Joanna

Joanna is a fictional character from the film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1. She is a former victor of the Hunger Games who becomes a key ally to Katniss Everdeen in the rebellion against the Capitol.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Joanna was first seen in the United States in 1880. Joanna has ranked as high as #173 nationally, which occurred in 1984, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Joanna has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Joanna (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 93
10%
TX 80
9%
OH 50
6%
VA 47
5%
NC 46
5%
PA 44
5%
FL 39
4%
NY 37
4%
IN 35
4%
GA 32
4%
WA 31
3%
SC 27
3%
MD 22
2%
TN 22
2%
IL 21
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188026
188121
188215
188333
188424
188540
188635
188732
188837
188927
189033
189136
189242
189336
189444
189529
189637
189750
189842
189940
190037
190131
190226
190345
190437
190541
190640
190732
190854
190948
191049
191159
191273
191394
191481
1915147
1916168
1917170
1918180
1919165
1920167
1921160
1922185
1923199
1924208
1925236
1926281
1927238
1928285
1929274
1930359
1931331
1932337
1933367
1934480
1935424
1936361
1937438
1938427
1939390
1940412
1941417
1942502
1943514
1944454
1945425
1946498
1947509
1948515
1949463
1950478
1951445
1952407
1953411
1954471
1955455
1956482
1957582
1958665
1959755
1960820
1961865
1962834
1963888
1964878
1965909
1966890
1967858
19681,035
19691,217
19701,331
19711,372
19721,423
19731,664
19741,772
19751,699
19761,718
19771,565
19781,349
19791,388
19801,726
19811,827
19821,834
19832,120
19843,332
19852,772
19862,227
19872,056
19882,206
19892,116
19902,230
19911,951
19921,825
19931,638
19941,624
19951,597
19961,405
19971,409
19981,281
19991,327
20001,349
20011,555
20021,335
20031,303
20041,279
20051,167
20061,289
20071,392
20081,194
20091,106
20101,066
2011976
2012974
2013945
20141,022
20151,065
20161,274
20171,352
20181,454
20191,280
20201,175
20211,101
20221,002
2023918
2024942