The name Johanna resonates with a classic elegance, a name that has graced generations with its gentle strength. But how popular is the name Johanna, and what lies behind its enduring appeal? Let’s delve into the history, popularity, and associated names of this beautiful moniker.
(Image of Johanna – Replicated from original)
Johanna Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
To understand Johanna’s standing, let’s look at its popularity trends over the past century. The data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a detailed view of the name’s ranking, the number of births, and the percentage of births attributed to the name each year.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 311 | 107 | 0.0304% |
| 1911 | 331 | 97 | 0.026% |
| 1912 | 326 | 153 | 0.0303% |
| 1913 | 338 | 165 | 0.0291% |
| 1914 | 320 | 224 | 0.0321% |
| 1915 | 334 | 275 | 0.0303% |
| 1916 | 319 | 318 | 0.0329% |
| 1917 | 333 | 309 | 0.0309% |
| 1918 | 377 | 259 | 0.0241% |
| 1919 | 383 | 248 | 0.0237% |
| 1920 | 376 | 267 | 0.024% |
| … (Data from 1921-2020 – Summarized for brevity. Full data in original table) … | |||
| 2021 | 747 | 311 | 0.0254% |
| 2022 | 798 | 306 | 0.0232% |
| 2023 | 763 | 327 | 0.0253% |
This data reveals that Johanna experienced a period of relative obscurity in the early-mid 20th century before rising significantly in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. It then gradually declined but remains a reasonably popular choice. Its highest peak in modern times was in 1984 when it achieved a rank of 264, with 893 births representing 0.06% of total births.
- Early 20th Century (1910-1950): Moderate usage, fluctuating between the 300s and 500s in rank.
- Mid-20th Century (1950-1970): A slight dip in popularity.
- Late 20th Century (1970-2000): A resurgence, peaking in the 1980s.
- 21st Century (2000-Present): Gradual decline but consistently ranked within the top 1000 names.
The popularity of the name Johanna in the District of Columbia is also recorded.
Meaning and Origin: The Grace of God
Johanna is a feminine form of the name John, which has Hebrew origins. Its meaning is universally understood and deeply meaningful: "God is gracious." This carries a strong religious and spiritual significance, making it a favorite choice for families with faith-based values.
Variations and Similar Names
One of the great things about the name Johanna is its versatility. Here are some variants and similar names to consider:
Variants of Johanna:
- Giovanna (Italian) – Meaning: God is gracious
- Joanna (Latin) – Meaning: God is gracious
- JoeHannah (Hebrew) – Meaning: God is gracious
- Johana (Hebrew) – Meaning: God is gracious
- Johannah (Hebrew) – Meaning: God is gracious
- Johanne (Hebrew) – Meaning: God is gracious
- Jovanna (Spanish) – Meaning: God is gracious
Names That Sound Like Johanna:
- Yohanna (Hebrew) – Meaning: He (God) has favored me
Names Similar to Johanna:
- Hana (Spanish) – Meaning: Happiness; flower; work
- Jane (Hebrew) – Meaning: God is gracious
- Jean (Hebrew) – Meaning: God is gracious
- Johnna (Hebrew) – Meaning: God is gracious
These alternatives offer subtle variations in sound and origin, while retaining the core meaning and essence of Johanna.
The Enduring Appeal of Johanna
The name Johanna continues to be a beloved choice for many reasons:
- Classic and Timeless: It transcends trends and remains eternally stylish.
- Meaningful: The association with "God is gracious" provides a sense of hope and blessing.
- Versatile: It works well with various middle names and last names.
- Elegant Sound: The soft, melodic quality makes it pleasant to hear and say.
- International Appeal: It’s recognized and appreciated in many cultures.
Whether you are drawn to its historical significance, its spiritual meaning, or its simply beautiful sound, Johanna remains a strong and graceful choice for a baby girl. Its presence in name popularity charts for over a century is a testament to its timeless appeal.