The name Marianna has its origins in the Latin name Maria, which was derived from the Hebrew name Miryam. The name Miryam is thought to have meant "bitter" or "beloved" in ancient Hebrew. The name Maria was later combined with the Latin suffix "-anna" to create the name Marianna.

Marianna was a popular name in ancient Rome and throughout the Roman Empire. It was particularly favored by early Christian families, as it was associated with the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. The name appears in numerous early Christian texts and records.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Marianna is found in the writings of the 4th century Christian scholar St. Jerome, who mentioned a woman named Marianna in his work "Adversus Jovinianum." In the 6th century, a nun named Marianna lived in a convent near Beirut and was known for her piety and devotion to her faith.

Over the centuries, the name Marianna has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous was Marianna of Austria (1634-1696), a Queen of Spain who was known for her political influence and her support of the arts and culture.

Another notable Marianna was Marianna Alcoforado (1640-1723), a Portuguese nun who is best known for her passionate love letters, which were published as "Letters of a Portuguese Nun." These letters are considered a masterpiece of romantic literature and have been widely studied and translated.

In the 19th century, Marianna Gartner Giese (1781-1827) was a German author and educator who wrote several books on education and child-rearing. She was also a pioneer in the field of early childhood education and helped establish one of the first kindergartens in Germany.

Marianna Bailie (1795-1859) was a Scottish author and poet who wrote several books of poetry and prose. She was also a pioneer in the field of women's education and worked to promote greater educational opportunities for women in Scotland.

In the 20th century, Marianna Norry (1908-1989) was a French actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and stage productions. She was also a renowned cabaret performer and was known for her comedic performances and witty songs.