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Gianna

♀ Girl

Pronounced jee-AH-nuh /dʒiˈɑː.nə/High

Meaning: God is gracious; Yahweh is gracious; Italian feminine form of JohnHigh

In 30 seconds: The Italian feminine form of John, meaning 'God is gracious.' Gianna carries Mediterranean warmth and has risen sharply in U.S. popularity in the 21st century.
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Origin HighItalian, Hebrew
MeaningGod is gracious; Yahweh is gracious; Italian feminine form of John
Peak year2011
Total births (all-time)≈ 63,658

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201119512017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Gianna is the Italian short form of Giovanna, which is the feminine form of Giovanni (Italian for John). The name traces through Latin Johanna back to the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning 'Yahweh is gracious.'

Gianna has been used in Italy for centuries. In the United States it began appearing in Italian-American communities and entered wider use in the 1990s. The canonization of Saint Gianna in 2004 boosted interest, and the name has climbed steadily, entering the U.S. top 20 girls' names by the 2020s.

Did you know? Saint Gianna Beretta Molla (1922–1962), an Italian pediatrician who refused a medical procedure that might have saved her life but harmed her unborn child, was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2004, raising the name's profile among Catholic families.

Variations

GiovannaGianaGiaJanina

Nicknames

GiaGigiAnna

Famous Bearers

  • ★Saint Gianna Beretta Molla (1922–1962)
    Italian pediatrician and Roman Catholic saint, canonized in 2004.

If you like Gianna…

Isabella— shares the Italian heritage and romantic multi-syllable feel
Valentina— equally vibrant and melodic Italian/Latin name
Sofia— another Italian-heritage classic in the global top five
Lucia— shares the same Latinate warmth and light quality
Aurora— equally lyrical and internationally beloved

Frequently Asked

What does the name Gianna mean?

Gianna is the Italian short form of Giovanna, which means 'God is gracious,' from the same Hebrew root as John (Yochanan).

How do you pronounce Gianna?

Gianna is pronounced jee-AH-nuh /dʒiˈɑː.nə/ (three syllables).

Is Gianna a boy or girl name?

Gianna is used exclusively as a girl's name; the masculine equivalent is Giovanni.

How popular is Gianna?

Gianna entered the U.S. top 20 girls' names around 2020 after climbing steadily for two decades, driven by Italian-American cultural ties and the canonization of Saint Gianna.