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Joni
Pronounced JOHN-ee /ˈdʒoʊn.i/Low
Meaning: Variant/diminutive of Joan or Joanne, ultimately from Hebrew 'God is gracious'.Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Joni grew up as a diminutive of Joan and Joanne, so its deeper meaning reaches back through those names to the Hebrew idea that 'God is gracious'. What started as a nickname settled into a given name in its own right, helped along by its breezy, two-syllable ease. The singer Joni Mitchell, born in 1943, is probably the bearer most people picture when they hear it.
There is a casual, mid-century warmth to Joni, the sound of a name that was meant to be called across a room. Athlete Joni Huntley, born in 1956, is another woman who carried it into public life.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Joni Mitchell (1943–present)Female public figure listed on Behind the Name.
- ★Joni Huntley (1956–present)Female public figure listed on Behind the Name.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Joni mean?
Joni is usually explained as meaning 'God is gracious', a feminine variant of Joan from the Hebrew name Yochanan, and is most often linked with English and Hebrew tradition.
How do you pronounce Joni?
It's commonly said JOHN-ee /ˈdʒoʊn.i/.
Is Joni a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Joni is used as a girl name.
How popular is Joni?
In 2024, Joni ranked #1882 in the U.S. for girls, with 106 births recorded.