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Giovanni

♂ Boy

Pronounced jee-oh-VAH-nee /dʒiˌoʊˈvɑː.ni/High

Meaning: God is gracious — Italian form of John, from Latin Ioannes, Greek Ioannes, Hebrew YochananHigh

In 30 seconds: The Italian form of John meaning 'God is gracious,' Giovanni carries the operatic warmth of Italy in four rolling syllables. It has been climbing U.S. charts, driven by Italian-American heritage and the broader trend for Italian names.
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Origin HighHebrew, Italian
MeaningGod is gracious — Italian form of John, from Latin Ioannes, Greek Ioannes, Hebrew Yochanan
Peak year2010
Total births (all-time)≈ 65,917

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201019072017

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

History & Origin

Giovanni is the Italian form of John, from the Latin Ioannes, Greek Ioannes, and ultimately Hebrew Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' It has been one of the most common Italian names throughout history.

Giovanni has been used in the United States primarily within Italian-American communities but has been rising more broadly in the 21st century, now in the top 200 boys' names.

Did you know? Giovanni Boccaccio (1313–1375), author of the Decameron, and Giovanni da Verrazzano (c. 1485–1528), the first European to see New York Harbor, are among the name's illustrious historical bearers.

Variations

JohnJuanJanIvanGianni

Nicknames

GioGianniVanni

Famous Bearers

  • ★Giovanni Boccaccio (1313–1375)
    Italian author of the Decameron, one of the most influential works in European literature.

If you like Giovanni…

Antonio— Italian four-syllable saint's name with the same warm Mediterranean grandeur
Leonardo— Italian four-syllable name with the same Renaissance artistic heritage
Matteo— Italian form of Matthew with the same beautiful warm Italian sound

Frequently Asked

What does the name Giovanni mean?

Giovanni is the Italian form of John, from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.'

How do you pronounce Giovanni?

Giovanni is pronounced jee-oh-VAH-nee /dʒiˌoʊˈvɑː.ni/ (four syllables).

Is Giovanni a boy or girl name?

Giovanni is used exclusively as a boy's name; Giovanna is the Italian feminine form.

How popular is Giovanni?

Giovanni has been climbing in the U.S. and is now among the top 200 boys' names.