Jovan

Jovan is the Serbian and Macedonian form of John, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning God is gracious. It entered South Slavic usage through the Greek Ioannes and the Latin Iohannes, spread largely by the influence of Christianity and the veneration of Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Apostle. The name has been borne by several Serbian medieval rulers and patriarchs, reflecting its deep roots in Orthodox Christian culture. Related forms include Ivan, Johan, Johannes, and Giovanni.