Find out how popular the first name Giovannina has been for the last 25 years (from 1991 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Giovannina by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Giovannina is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Giovannina.

The history of the first name Giovannina

Giovannina is a feminine Italian given name derived from the masculine name Giovanni, which has its origins in the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The name Giovanni was introduced to Italy during the spread of Christianity in the region, and it became a popular name among Italian families.

The name Giovannina is a diminutive form of Giovanni, often used as a term of endearment or familiarity. It emerged during the Middle Ages, a period when the use of diminutive names was widespread in Italy. The addition of the suffix "-ina" transforms the masculine form into a feminine one, creating a unique and affectionate variation.

In ancient times, the name Giovannina was associated with the biblical figure of John the Baptist, also known as Giovanni Battista in Italian. This connection likely contributed to the popularity of the name among Christian communities in Italy. Additionally, the name gained significance through its association with various saints and religious figures throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Giovannina can be found in historical records from the 13th century. During this period, the name was commonly used by families in various regions of Italy, particularly in the central and northern parts of the country.

Notable individuals who bore the name Giovannina include Giovannina Grifoni (1505-1544), an Italian poet and writer from Florence, known for her lyrical works and contributions to the literary circles of her time. Another prominent figure was Giovannina Bentivoglio (1492-1542), a noblewoman from Bologna who played a significant role in the political and cultural life of her city.

In the 16th century, Giovannina Elisabetta Puricelli (1530-1600) was a renowned artist from Milan, celebrated for her skilled portraiture and religious paintings. Her works can be found in various churches and galleries throughout Italy.

The name Giovannina also gained recognition through the life of Giovannina Pira (1635-1686), a Benedictine nun from Sardinia who was renowned for her mystical experiences and religious devotion. She was beatified by the Catholic Church in 1975.

In the 18th century, Giovannina Masseria (1779-1849) was an Italian poet and writer from Naples, known for her works that explored themes of love, nature, and the human experience. Her poetic contributions were widely acclaimed during her lifetime and continue to be studied by scholars of Italian literature.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who bore the name Giovannina throughout history, each contributing to various fields and leaving their mark on Italian culture and beyond.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Giovannina was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Giovannina, please contact us.

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