The name Joahna has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture. It is a feminine variant of the Biblical name Johanan, which means "God is gracious" or "God's gift." The name can be traced back to ancient Judaic texts and scriptures, where it was commonly used among the Hebrew people as early as the 6th century BC.

In its earliest form, Joahna was likely spelled as Yohannah or a similar variation. Over time, as the name spread across different regions and languages, it underwent various phonetic and orthographic changes, leading to the modern spelling of Joahna.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Joahna can be found in the Bible's New Testament, where it appears as the name of a woman mentioned in the Book of Acts. This biblical reference lends the name a significant historical and religious significance within the Christian tradition.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Joahna. In the 4th century AD, Joahna of Toulouse was a renowned Christian martyr who faced persecution and execution for her faith during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Another notable figure was Joahna the Merciful, a 7th-century Byzantine nun and abbess known for her charitable works and acts of kindness toward the poor and needy.

During the Middle Ages, Joahna of Navarre (1370-1437) was a powerful and influential figure who served as the Queen of Navarre and Countess of Foix. Her reign was marked by her efforts to maintain peace and stability in her territories during a period of political turmoil.

In the 16th century, Joahna of Austria (1535-1573) was a prominent member of the Habsburg dynasty. She served as the Princess of Portugal through her marriage to Prince John Manuel of Portugal and played a significant role in the cultural and artistic patronage of the time.

Another notable figure was Joahna Southcott (1750-1814), an English religious prophetess and founder of the Southcottian movement. Her teachings and writings gained a significant following in the early 19th century, and her impact on religious movements of the time cannot be overlooked.