Giannina

Giannina is an Italian feminine diminutive built on Gianna, itself a contracted form of Giovanna, the Italian equivalent of the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning God is gracious. The name carries the warm, affectionate quality typical of Italian diminutive formations and has been used across Italy as both a formal given name and a term of endearment. It gained some international recognition through the Chilean-American playwright Giannina Braschi. Related forms include Giovanna, Gianna, Joanna, and Johanna.