The name Christianna originates from the Late Latin name Christiana, a feminine form of the masculine name Christianus, meaning "a Christian" or "follower of Christ." The name traces its roots back to the ancient Greek word "Christianos," which was used to refer to the early followers of Jesus Christ in the first century AD.

The name Christianna gained popularity during the early days of Christianity, particularly in regions where the religion spread, such as the Roman Empire and the Middle East. As Christianity became more widespread, the name was adopted by various cultures and underwent variations in spelling and pronunciation.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Christianna can be found in the writings of early Christian scholars and theologians, such as Tertullian and Origen, who lived in the second and third centuries AD. These authors often referred to Christian women using the name Christiana or its variants.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Christianna. One such figure was Christianna of Stommeln (c. 1242-1312), a German mystic and Benedictine nun known for her visions and spiritual writings. Another notable bearer was Christianna Wittrock (1737-1798), a Swedish botanist and naturalist who made significant contributions to the study of plants and their classification.

In the realm of literature, the name Christianna appears in works such as the novel "Christianna's Ghetto" by Leon Garfield, published in 1975, which tells the story of a young Jewish girl living in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. Additionally, Christianna Brand (1907-1988) was a British author and playwright known for her crime fiction novels and plays.

Other historical figures with the name Christianna include Christianna Figueres (born 1956), a Costa Rican diplomat and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and Christianna Holgate (born 1972), an Australian businesswoman and former CEO of Australia Post.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of individuals who have borne the name Christianna throughout history, reflecting its rich heritage and enduring presence across various cultures and time periods.