Ionel

Ionel is a Romanian masculine given name functioning as a diminutive of Ion, itself the Romanian form of the Greek Ioannes, which derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning God is gracious. The diminutive suffix -el is common in Romanian pet-name formation, giving the name an affectionate, familiar quality. Ionel has been widely used in Romania and Moldova and appears frequently in folk literature and rural tradition. Related forms include Ion, Ioan, and the international cognates John, Jean, Giovanni, and Juan.