The name Johannah has its origins in the Hebrew language, derived from the name Yohanan, which means "Yahweh is gracious" or "God is merciful." This name was prevalent in ancient Israel and is closely associated with the biblical figure John the Baptist, whose Hebrew name was Yohanan.

Johannah is a feminine variation of the name John, which itself has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The name was popularized in the New Testament, where John the Baptist and John the Apostle were prominent figures. It later became widespread throughout the Christian world, with numerous saints and religious figures bearing the name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Johannah can be found in the Book of Chronicles, where it is mentioned as the name of a Levite woman who lived during the reign of King David in the 10th century BCE. This biblical reference suggests that the name has been in use for over three millennia.

In the Middle Ages, the name Johannah was relatively uncommon, but it gained popularity during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. One notable figure from this period was Johannah von Schönau, a German Benedictine nun and mystic who lived from around 1138 to 1185. She was known for her visions and prophetic writings, which influenced religious thought at the time.

During the Renaissance, the name Johannah was used by several notable women, including Johannah Cartwright (1600-1672), an English Quaker minister and author who wrote extensively on religious topics. Another prominent figure was Johannah Müller (1673-1723), a German painter and engraver who was celebrated for her intricate still-life works.

In the 18th century, Johannah Kinsbury (1708-1778) was a noted English philanthropist and social reformer who dedicated her life to improving the lives of the poor and establishing charitable institutions. Another notable individual was Johannah Reichard (1779-1853), a German writer and translator who played a significant role in introducing English literature to German audiences.

Moving into the 19th century, Johannah Stegen (1819-1898) was a German-American woman who founded the Gemeinschaft Mettingen, a religious community in Illinois that practiced communal living and emphasized self-sufficiency.

Throughout its history, the name Johannah has been borne by numerous individuals from various cultural and religious backgrounds, reflecting its enduring popularity and significant religious connotations.