The name Johny is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, which means "Yahweh is gracious." This name can be traced back to the biblical figure John the Baptist, who was born around 5 BC in Judea. The name gained popularity during the early Christian era and spread throughout Europe and the Middle East.

In ancient Greek texts, the name was written as Ιωάννης (Ioannes), and in Latin, it was transliterated as Johannes. This Latin form eventually evolved into the English version John, and its diminutive form, Johny. The name has been used consistently throughout history, and several notable figures have borne it.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Johny can be found in the writings of the 12th-century English historian William of Malmesbury. He mentioned a man named Johny of Salisbury, who lived during the reign of King Henry I (1100-1135).

During the Renaissance, the name Johny was particularly popular in Italy. One of the most famous bearers of the name was the Italian painter Johny Bellini (c. 1430-1516), who was renowned for his religious paintings and portraits.

In the 17th century, the English philosopher and statesman Johny Locke (1632-1704) made significant contributions to the fields of political philosophy and empiricism. His works, such as "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding," had a profound influence on the Enlightenment and modern political thought.

Another notable figure with the name Johny was the Scottish explorer Johny Muir (1838-1914), who was a prominent naturalist and conservationist. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Club, an influential environmental organization.

In the realm of literature, the American author Johny Steinbeck (1902-1968) is widely recognized for his novels that explored the lives of working-class Americans during the Great Depression. His acclaimed works include "The Grapes of Wrath," "Of Mice and Men," and "East of Eden."