The name Jiovanni has its origins in the Italian language and culture. It is considered a variant spelling of the more common Italian name Giovanni, which is derived from the Latin name Iohannes. The Latin name Iohannes is itself a derivative of the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious."

The earliest recorded use of the name Jiovanni can be traced back to the late Middle Ages in Italy. During this period, various spellings and variations of the name Giovanni emerged, including Jiovanni, likely due to regional dialects and local pronunciation differences.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Jiovanni was Jiovanni Boccaccio, an Italian writer and poet who lived from 1313 to 1375. He is best known for his literary masterpiece, the Decameron, a collection of 100 novellas that provided a vivid portrayal of 14th-century Italian society.

Another notable figure was Jiovanni Bellini, a renowned Italian Renaissance painter who lived from around 1430 to 1516. He was one of the greatest artists of the Venetian school and is celebrated for his religious works and pioneering use of oil painting techniques.

In the realm of music, Jiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594) was an influential Italian Renaissance composer and the most famous representative of the Roman School of musical composition. His works, particularly his masses and motets, are considered the culmination of Renaissance polyphonic style.

During the 17th century, Jiovanni Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) was a prominent Italian artist and architect, widely regarded as the most influential sculptor of the Baroque period. His iconic works, such as the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa and the Fountain of the Four Rivers, exemplify the dramatic and theatrical style of Baroque art.

In the field of science, Jiovanni Virginio Schiaparelli (1835-1910) was an Italian astronomer and historian of science. He is best known for his observations and maps of Mars, including the controversial "canali" (channels) that were later reinterpreted as optical illusions but inspired speculation about life on the Red Planet.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Jiovanni. While not as common as the more standard spelling Giovanni, the name Jiovanni has a rich heritage and has been carried by influential figures in various fields, from literature and art to music and science.