The name Giovanny is an Italian variant of the name John, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The Italian form stems from the Latin name Iohannes, which became Giovanni in Italian.

Giovanny emerged as a distinct name in Italy during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions like Tuscany and Umbria. It was likely influenced by the widespread popularity of the name Giovanni, as well as the local dialects of central and northern Italy.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Giovanny can be found in the writings of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, who mentions a character named Giovanny in his epic work, the Divine Comedy, written in the early 14th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Giovanny. One prominent figure was Giovanny Battista Belzoni (1778-1823), an Italian explorer and pioneer in the field of Egyptology, who made significant discoveries in Egypt, including the entrance to the pyramids of Khafre and Khufu.

Another notable Giovanny was Giovanny Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594), an Italian Renaissance composer who is considered one of the greatest masters of sacred music and a key figure in the development of the Roman School of musical composition.

In the 17th century, Giovanny Battista Guarini (1538-1612) was an Italian poet, playwright, and diplomat, best known for his pastoral tragicomedy, Il Pastor Fido, which became a highly influential work in the development of European drama.

The name Giovanny also appears in the artistic realm with figures like Giovanny Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680), a renowned Italian sculptor and architect whose works, such as the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa and the Fountain of the Four Rivers, are considered masterpieces of the Baroque period.

Finally, Giovanny Boccaccio (1313-1375) was an Italian writer, poet, and humanist, best known for his masterpiece, the Decameron, a collection of novellas that profoundly influenced the development of Italian literature and the Renaissance literary movement.