Johanna is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew name "Yochana," which means "Yahweh is gracious" or "God is merciful." The name Johanna has been popular throughout history and has been used in various forms across different cultures.
The most famous historical figure with the name Johanna was probably Saint Joan of Arc, a heroine from France who played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War against England. She was born as Jeanne d'Arc but is commonly known by her Latinized name, Johanna.
In literature, Johanna appears as a character in works such as "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils" by Selma Lagerlöf and "The Mysterious Island" by Jules Verne. Additionally, the name has been used in various languages across different cultures, including Johannah in English, Giovanna in Italian, Juana in Spanish, and Ioana in Romanian.
Overall, Johanna is a strong and meaningful name with a rich history that continues to be popular today. Its association with mercy and grace makes it a powerful choice for parents looking for a significant name for their daughter.
The name Johanna has been given to a total of 53,610 babies born in the United States between 1880 and 2023. The popularity of this name has fluctuated over time, with peaks and troughs occurring throughout its history.
During the late 19th century, the birth rate for Johanna was relatively low, with fewer than 150 births per year from 1880 to 1894. However, there was a significant increase in popularity beginning around 1895, when the number of annual births rose above 150 and continued to grow steadily throughout the early 20th century.
The highest recorded birth rate for Johanna occurred in 1969, with 406 babies being born that year. This marked a significant milestone in the popularity of the name and demonstrated its enduring appeal among parents during this time period.
Despite fluctuations in popularity over the years, Johanna has remained a relatively uncommon name when compared to other popular choices such as Sarah or Emily. However, it is still considered unique and has been given to thousands of girls born across different decades in the United States.
In recent years, there has been a slight decrease in the number of annual births for Johanna, with only 374 recorded in 2022 and an estimated 357 in 2023. While it may no longer be among the most popular names chosen by parents today, Johanna continues to hold historical significance and remains an attractive option for those seeking a timeless and distinctive name for their child.