The name Yovani is of Spanish origin, derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." It emerged during the Middle Ages in Spain, where it was a common name among Jews and later adopted by Christians.

In its earliest form, Yovani was spelled as Yohan or Yuhan in medieval Spanish records. As the name spread across Europe, it took on various spellings such as Iohannes in Latin, Giovanni in Italian, and Juan in Spanish.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yovani dates back to the 11th century, when it appeared in the Codex Calixtinus, a medieval manuscript from the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain. This document mentions a pilgrim named Yovani who traveled to the cathedral.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Yovani. One of the most famous was Yovani de la Cruz (1542-1591), a Spanish mystic and Carmelite friar known for his influential writings on the spiritual life.

Another prominent Yovani was Yovani Bautista (1555-1613), a Spanish composer and organist who served at the royal chapel of King Philip III of Spain.

In the 19th century, Yovani Prati (1815-1884) was an Italian architect and engineer who designed several notable buildings in Milan, including the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

More recently, Yovani Herrera (born 1985) is a Mexican professional baseball pitcher who has played for various teams in Major League Baseball.

Yovani Arrieta (born 1986) is a Cuban-American professional baseball pitcher who won the World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and was named the World Series Most Valuable Player.

While the name Yovani has its roots in Spanish and Hebrew cultures, it has been adopted and used by various cultures around the world, with individuals bearing this name making significant contributions in fields such as religion, arts, architecture, and sports.