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Joanna: Name Meaning in the Bible

Joanna is a name that’s rich in history and significance, particularly in biblical context. It carries a sense of femininity, grace, and strength, making it a beautiful choice for many. In this exploration, we will dive into the meaning of the name Joanna, its biblical roots, and various fun facts, stories, and statistics associated with it.

1. The Name and Its Meaning

The name Joanna is of Hebrew origin, deriving from the Hebrew name Yohannah, which means “God is gracious.” This meaning reflects a connection to divine favor and blessings. In the Greek context, Joanna refers to a woman who is celebrated for her faithfulness and devotion. In different dictionaries, the name is elaborated as follows:

Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary: Defines Joanna as a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew roots, signifying “the Lord has been gracious.” This reinforces the name’s deep-seated biblical ties.

Other Dictionary Sources: Upon researching other sources, Joanna tends to be consistently described as a name implying grace and divine mercy. Various baby name books may often dominate discussions surrounding the name, but the significance remains the same.

Wiktionary: It highlights that Joanna symbolizes both beauty and spiritual outreach, serving as an emblem of kindness and generosity, traits cherished in many cultures.

2. The History of the Name

The name Joanna has a rich history dating back to biblical times. It is mentioned in the New Testament as the name of one of the women who supported Jesus and the disciples. Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, played a vital role in Jesus’s ministry, showcasing her courage and devotion.

Joanna is predominantly a feminine name and has been embraced in many countries, particularly among Christians. Over time, it has transitioned across various cultures, often translated into different languages while maintaining its essential meaning. For instance, in Spanish, it appears as Juana, while in Italian it is Gianna. The name resonates with a strong historical narrative that presents women of faith who made significant contributions to their communities. This enduring legacy is one reason Joanna is celebrated across various cultures and backgrounds.

3. 15 Fun Facts about the Name

1. Joanna ranks consistently among popular names for girls in many countries.
2. Joanna is the name of a character in several stories and songs.
3. The name is often connected to numerous saints in Christianity.
4. Variations of the name have appeared in different cuisines, such as “Joanna’s pie.”
5. The name Joanna has been used in literature for centuries.
6. It has several charming nicknames, including Jo, Annie, and Anna.
7. The name symbolizes grace, love, and divine favor in various writings.
8. Joanna also appears in modern media, including films and books.
9. Several notable female figures in history bore the name Joanna.
10. The name is widely accepted in many cultures, adapting beautifully across languages.
11. Joanna is often celebrated in churches, with special services for those named Joanna.
12. The name inspires a sense of warmth and friendship.
13. It belongs to various organizations and charitable foundations.
14. The name Joanna means different things based on cultural backgrounds.
15. It appears in many famous songs, highlighting its enduring popularity.

4. What Name Lists Does Joanna Rank For?

Overall, Joanna is currently #53 in U.S. births.
Girl: Joanna is currently #45 in U.S. births.
Boy: Joanna is very rarely given as a boy’s name, often ranking below #1000.

5. 10 Notable Persons Named Joanna

– Joanna of Provence: A queen consort of France in the 13th century, known for her regal presence and influence.

– Joanna Gaines: A popular television personality known for her design work in “Fixer Upper,” she has revolutionized home renovation.

– Joanna Lumley: A British actress and activist, celebrated for her numerous media performances and advocacy work.

– Joanna Newsom: A singer-songwriter and musician recognized for her ethereal voice and unique musical style.

– Joanna Trollope: A bestselling author known for her contemporary novels exploring family dynamics.

– Joanna of Castile: Queen of Spain, known for her tragic life story and strong will.

– Joanna Krupa: A Polish-American model and actress known for her work on reality television.

– Joanna Chmielewska: A renowned Polish author best known for her mystery novels.

– Joanna Cassidy: An American actress recognized for her roles in films and television over the decades.

– Joanna Hogg: A British filmmaker known for her distinctive directorial style in independent cinema.

6. Notable Persons With the Last Name Joanna

While there are not too many notable persons with Joanna as a surname, there are influential families and communities carrying the name. Historical families named Joanna often played significant roles in shaping local histories, especially within European countries. It’s common to encounter the surname in genealogical research linking back to specific clans or tribes.

7. How Popular is the Baby Name Joanna in the U.S.?

As of recent statistics, Joanna is maintained within the top 100 names for baby girls in the U.S. It ranks up to approximately 0.25% in being chosen for newborns, illustrating its sustained appeal. The name Joanna is notably popular in five key countries, making it a favored choice among parents:

U.S.: Approximately 0.35%
Canada: Approximately 0.40%
Australia: Approximately 0.30%
England: Approximately 0.45%
New Zealand: Approximately 0.25%

8. Where is the Name Joanna Popular?

Joanna is especially popular in English-speaking countries, with a strong presence in North America, parts of Europe, particularly in the UK, and Australia. Given its biblical significance, Joanna is also embraced within Christian communities worldwide. Its melodic sound and graceful meaning make it a cherished name for many parents.

9. 10 Common Last Names for Joanna

1. Smith
2. Johnson
3. Brown
4. Garcia
5. Martinez
6. Rodriguez
7. Wilson
8. Lee
9. Taylor
10. Miller

10. 10 Common First Names for Joanna

1. Marie
2. Elizabeth
3. Ann
4. Grace
5. Louise
6. Claire
7. Jane
8. Kate
9. Faith
10. Rose

Conclusion

The name Joanna holds a prominent position in both historical and modern contexts. Its biblical roots make it significant to many Christian communities, while its melodic quality and deep meaning resonate with parents seeking grace and beauty for their daughters. The journey of Joanna through time illustrates the richness of cultural and individual expressions. Whether through notable figures, historical significance, or personal stories, Joanna occupies a special space in the world of names. Encouraged by its meaning of divine grace, Joanna continues to inspire and unite people through love and kindness.

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Also Check:

Joanna Name Meaning In Bible