Find out how popular the first name Sanjuana has been for the last 40 years (from 1975 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sanjuana by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Sanjuana is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Sanjuana.

The history of the first name Sanjuana

Sanjuana is a feminine given name derived from the Spanish form of the name "Juana", which in turn has its origins in the Hebrew name "Yohanan" or "Yohanna". This name can be traced back to the biblical figure John the Baptist, whose name in Hebrew means "Yahweh is gracious". The name Sanjuana emerged as a variant of Juana, likely influenced by the Spanish prefix "San" or "Santa" (meaning "Saint") to emphasize religious reverence.

The earliest recorded use of the name Sanjuana dates back to the 16th century in Spain and Spanish-speaking regions. It gained popularity during the Spanish colonial era, particularly in Latin America, where it was often bestowed upon women in honor of various female saints or as a marker of religious devotion.

One of the earliest known historical figures bearing the name Sanjuana was Sanjuana de la Cruz (1542-1624), a Mexican nun and mystic who is revered as a pioneer of Mexican literature and a significant figure in the religious and cultural life of colonial Mexico.

Another notable figure was Sanjuana Inés de la Cruz (1648-1695), a renowned Mexican nun, scholar, poet, and playwright of the Baroque period. Her literary works, including her famous poem "Primero Sueño" (First Dream), established her as one of the most influential writers in the Spanish Golden Age.

In the 18th century, Sanjuana Mendía (1718-1799) was a prominent Venezuelan patriot and revolutionary who played a significant role in the fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. She is remembered as a symbol of resistance and is celebrated as a national heroine in Venezuela.

During the 19th century, Sanjuana Martínez de Rozas (1826-1899) was a Chilean writer, educator, and feminist who advocated for women's rights and education. She founded one of the first schools for girls in Santiago and published several works on education and women's issues.

In the 20th century, Sanjuana Martínez (1924-2019) was a renowned Mexican ceramist and artist who gained international recognition for her vibrant and intricate ceramic sculptures and murals. Her works are celebrated for their integration of indigenous Mexican traditions and contemporary artistic styles.

While the name Sanjuana has maintained a presence throughout history, its popularity has varied across different regions and time periods. It continues to be used in Spanish-speaking communities, often carrying a sense of cultural heritage and religious significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Sanjuana was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Sanjuana, please contact us.

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