Home › Baby Names Directory › Gianni

Gianni

♀ Girl

Pronounced JAH-nee /ˈdʒɑː.ni/High

Meaning: God is gracious; Italian short form of Giovanni (John), from Hebrew Yohanan (Yahweh is gracious); traditionally male but used for girls in the U.S.High

In 30 seconds: An Italian short form of Giovanni (John) meaning 'God is gracious,' traditionally masculine in Italy. In the U.S. it appears in girls' data as a unisex crossover — part of the trend for Italian masculine names used for girls.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighItalian, Hebrew

MeaningGod is gracious; Italian short form of Giovanni (John), from Hebrew Yohanan (Yahweh is gracious); traditionally male but used for girls in the U.S.

U.S. rank (2024)#1222 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births192 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,264

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Gianni is the Italian short form of Giovanni (John), from Hebrew Yohanan (Yahweh is gracious). In Italy it is exclusively masculine. In the U.S. it has crossed to girls' charts, part of the broader pattern of Italian masculine names (Gio, Luca, Marco) being used for daughters.

Gianni ranked #1222 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Gianni Versace (1946–1997) was one of fashion's most flamboyant and influential designers, whose assassination in Miami in 1997 shocked the world. The American Crime Story miniseries about his murder (2018) brought new attention to the name.

Overall data confidence 91%

Behind the Name — Gianni — Italian/Hebrew etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

GiannaGiovannaGiannina

Nicknames

GiaGi

Famous Bearers

★Gianni Versace (1946-1997)
Italian fashion designer and founder of the Versace luxury house. He was murdered in Miami in 1997. Gianni is his given name.

If you like Gianni…

Gianna— the feminine Italian form of the same Giovanni root

Gia— short Italian name sharing the same Gi- opening

Giovanni— the full form from which Gianni is a short form

Gio— shorter Italian form of the same Giovanni root

Liliana— Italian feminine name with the same warm Mediterranean feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Gianni mean?

Gianni means 'God is gracious,' the Italian short form of Giovanni (John), from Hebrew Yohanan.

How do you pronounce Gianni?

It's said JAH-nee — two syllables, stress on the first. The GI in Italian is pronounced like J.

Is Gianni a boy or girl name?

Gianni is traditionally Italian masculine but appears in U.S. girls' data as a crossover.

How popular is Gianni?

Gianni ranked #1222 for U.S. girls in 2024.