The name Ivanna has its origins in the Slavic languages, particularly in Russian and Ukrainian. It is a feminine form of the name Ivan, which is derived from the Greek name Ioannes, meaning "Yahweh is gracious."

The earliest recorded use of the name Ivanna dates back to the 11th century in Kievan Rus', an ancient East Slavic state centered in modern-day Ukraine and parts of Russia and Belarus. It became a popular name among the nobility and upper classes of the region during this time.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Ivanna was Ivanna of Halych, a 13th-century Ruthenian princess who married the King of Hungary, Andrew II. She played a significant role in the politics and diplomacy of the time, and her name is mentioned in several historical chronicles.

In the 16th century, Ivanna Mazepina was a prominent figure in the Russian Orthodox Church. She was a nun and the founder of several monasteries, and her name is recorded in various religious texts and documents.

Another notable figure with the name Ivanna was Ivanna Andreyevna Romanova, a Russian noblewoman who lived in the 17th century. She was a distant relative of the Romanov dynasty and is mentioned in various genealogical records and historical accounts of the time.

In the 19th century, Ivanna Blazhkevych was a Ukrainian writer and educator who made significant contributions to the development of Ukrainian literature and education. She was a pioneer in promoting the use of the Ukrainian language and is remembered for her efforts in preserving Ukrainian culture.

Ivanna Trush was a Ukrainian opera singer and actress who lived in the early 20th century. She performed in various opera houses across Europe and is considered one of the most renowned Ukrainian sopranos of her time.

While the name Ivanna has its roots in Slavic cultures, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in Western Europe and the Americas, often as a variant of the name Yvonne or Ivana.