Vanna

♀ Girl

Vanna Pronunciation

Vanna is pronounced VAN-ah /ˈvæn.ɑ/High

Meaning: Short form of Giovanna or Ivana — feminine forms of John, 'God is gracious'; also Cambodian vanna, 'golden'Medium

In 30 seconds: Giovanna, distilled to a smile: Vanna shortens the Italian and Slavic Johns — 'God is gracious' — and means 'golden' in Khmer. Wheel-of-Fortune famous, warm, and bright.

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Origin MediumItalian, Slavic

MeaningShort form of Giovanna or Ivana — feminine forms of John, 'God is gracious'; also Cambodian vanna, 'golden'

U.S. rank (2024)#3802 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births40 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1986

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,951

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Vanna is a short form of Giovanna (the Italian Joanna) or Ivana — feminines of John, 'God is gracious' — and independently a Cambodian name meaning 'golden'. Dante's Giovanna was called Vanna; Vanna White made it an American household name.

It registers thinly today. Gracious-or-golden at the root, friendly, and retro-bright.

Did you know? Vanna White has turned letters on Wheel of Fortune since 1982 — and in Cambodia, vanna means 'golden', a fitting glow for TV's most famous letter-turner's name.

Overall data confidence 72%

Behind the Name — Vanna — etymology

Variations

GiovannaIvanaVana

Nicknames

Van

Famous Bearers

★Vanna White (1957–present)
American TV personality, longtime Wheel of Fortune co-host.

If you like Vanna…

Giovanna— the Italian name it shortens

Ivana— the Slavic sister source

Lana— a fellow warm two-syllable retro pick

Donna— the companion Italian-toned classic

→ See all names like Vanna

Browse the whole category: All Italian names → · All Slavic names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Vanna?

Vanna is pronounced VAN-ah (/ˈvæn.ɑ/). Press play above to hear Vanna said aloud.

How do you say Vanna?

Vanna is said VAN-ah (/ˈvæn.ɑ/). Press play above to hear Vanna said aloud.

What does the name Vanna mean?

Vanna is a short form of Giovanna/Ivana, 'God is gracious'; in Khmer it means 'golden'.

Is Vanna a boy or girl name?

Vanna is a girl's name in American use.

How popular is Vanna?

Vanna is a rare name in the U.S.