The name Joann is an English feminine given name derived from the Hebrew name Johanan, which means "Graced by God" or "God is gracious". It is a combination of the Hebrew elements "Yo" meaning "God" and "hanan" meaning "he was gracious".

The name Joann has its roots in the ancient Hebrew language and can be traced back to the Old Testament. It is a variant of the name Joan, which was originally derived from the Latin name Iohannes, the masculine form of the Hebrew name Johanan.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Joann dates back to the 13th century. Joann of Acre (c. 1210-1285) was a Frankish princess and the daughter of King John of Brienne and Queen Maria of Montferrat. She was a prominent figure during the Crusades and played a significant role in the political and military affairs of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Another notable historical figure with the name Joann was Joann Sfar (1671-1753), an Italian painter and printmaker from Rome. She was known for her intricate engravings and was a member of the prestigious Accademia di San Luca, an academy for artists in Rome.

In the 19th century, Joann Woodcock (1828-1910) was an American businesswoman and philanthropist from New York. She was instrumental in establishing several charitable organizations and was actively involved in various social and educational initiatives.

Joann Mukundan (1873-1944) was an Indian social reformer and activist from Kerala. She played a pivotal role in the movement for women's education and empowerment in the region and was a pioneer in the field of women's rights.

One of the most famous individuals with the name Joann was Joann Rowling (1965-), the British author best known for the Harry Potter book series. Her books have sold over 500 million copies worldwide and have been translated into numerous languages, making her one of the most celebrated and influential authors of our time.