Find out how popular the first name Jianni has been for the last 32 years (from 1992 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jianni by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Jianni is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 53% of people named Jianni being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 33 male babies and 28 female babies born with the name Jianni.

The history of the first name Jianni

The name Jianni originates from the Italian language and culture, with its roots tracing back to the late Middle Ages. It is a variant spelling of the Italian name Giovanni, which itself is derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious."

In the 13th century, the name Jianni appeared in several Italian records and historical documents, particularly in regions such as Tuscany and Lombardy. It was often used as a diminutive form of Giovanni, reflecting the endearing nature of nicknames in Italian naming traditions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jianni can be found in the writings of the Italian poet and philosopher Dante Alighieri, who lived from 1265 to 1321. In his famous work, the Divine Comedy, Dante mentions a character named Jianni di Buiamonte, suggesting the name's usage during that era.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Jianni. One such figure was Jianni di Ser Ricovero (1330-1399), a Florentine painter and mosaicist who contributed to the decoration of the Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Jianni Caracciolo (1495-1550), an Italian prelate and diplomat who served as the Bishop of Troyes in France during the 16th century.

In the realm of literature, Jianni Getto (1913-1997) was an Italian literary critic and scholar renowned for his work on Italian Renaissance literature, particularly the works of Dante and Petrarch.

Moving into the 20th century, Jianni Agnelli (1921-2003) was an influential Italian industrialist and principal shareholder of Fiat, the renowned automobile manufacturer. He played a pivotal role in the company's growth and expansion during his tenure as chairman from 1966 to 2003.

Another noteworthy figure was Jianni Vattimo (1936-present), an Italian philosopher and politician known for his contributions to the development of postmodern thought and his advocacy for the inclusion of disabled individuals in society.

While the name Jianni may not be as common today as its parent name Giovanni, it remains a part of Italian cultural heritage, carrying the echoes of a rich historical lineage and serving as a reminder of the enduring influence of Italian naming traditions on the broader landscape of given names.

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 Jianni was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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