Gianna

Gianna is an Italian feminine name, a contracted short form of Giovanna, which is itself the Italian equivalent of the Latin Ioanna and ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning God is gracious. The name has deep roots in Christian tradition through figures such as Saint John the Baptist and the Apostle John, whose names inspired countless feminine forms across Europe. Blessed Gianna Beretta Molla, a twentieth-century Italian physician and mother canonized by the Catholic Church, brought particular modern prominence to the name. Related forms include Giovanna, Joanna, Joan, Jane, Jean, and the Spanish Juana.