Giovanni

What does the baby name Giovanni mean? Learn about what Giovanni means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Giovanni - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Giovanni
G-I-O-V-A-N-N-I, is a 8-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Giovanni
jo-VAHN-nee
jyo VAHN nee
Meaning of Giovanni
God is gracious, god is merciful.
Origin of Giovanni
The name 'Giovanni' is a male name with roots in Italian and Latin, meaning 'God is gracious'. In terms of its origin, 'Giovanni' can be traced back to the Latin name Iohannes, which is a variant of the Greek name Ioannes. This, in turn, is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'Yahweh is gracious.'

The earliest known use of the name 'Giovanni' dates back to ancient Rome, where it was commonly used as a given name. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages and Renaissance period in Italy, particularly due to its association with the biblical figure John the Baptist. John the Baptist was a significant religious figure in Christianity, known for baptizing Jesus Christ. His name, Ioannes in Greek, was translated to 'Giovanni' in Italian.
American Names
Greek Names
Hebrew Names
Italian Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Giovanni
Anno
Eadan
Eadin
Ean
Eion
Eoghan
Eoin
Evan
Ewan
Ewen
Gian
Giannes
Gianni
Giannini
Hanan
Handel
Hannes
Hanno
Hannus
Hans
Hanschen
Hansel
Hansli
Hanz
Iain
Ian
Ioannes
Ivan
Ivann
Iwan
Jack
Jackie
Jan
Janek
Jankiel
Janko
Janne
Janos
Jansci
Jawaun
Jawon
Jean
Jeannot
Jehan
Jens
Joao
Jock
Johan
Johann
Johannes
John
Johnnie
Johnny
Jon
Jona
Jontai
Jovan
Juan
Juanito
Juwan
Owen
Seamus
Sean
Seann
Shane
Shaughn
Shaun
Shawn
Vanek
Vanko
Vanya
Yanni
Yanno
Zane
Popularity of Giovanni
Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Giovanni' has had its ups and downs. In Italy, it has remained a popular choice for parents, consistently ranking among the top names for boys. It has also gained popularity in other countries with Italian heritage, such as the United States and Argentina.
Giovanni currently has 498 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Harrison is slightly more popular than Giovanni.

Etymology of Giovanni

The etymology of the name 'Giovanni' is rooted in its Latin and Hebrew origins. The Latin name Iohannes is derived from the Greek Ioannes, which, in turn, is a transliteration of the Hebrew name Yochanan. The Hebrew name Yochanan is a combination of 'Yahweh', the Hebrew name for God, and 'chanan', meaning 'gracious'. Therefore, 'Giovanni' carries the meaning 'God is gracious' or 'Yahweh is gracious.'

Cultural Significance of Giovanni

In terms of cultural significance, the name 'Giovanni' holds particular importance in Italian culture. It is associated with strong family ties, tradition, and a sense of heritage. Many Italian families pass down the name 'Giovanni' from generation to generation as a way of honoring their ancestors and maintaining a sense of continuity.