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Joanna

Girl name · 2,558 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Joanna: 2,558 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 130 births in 1978.

From the Latin *Johanna*, the feminine form of John, Joanna ultimately derives from the Hebrew *Yohanan*, meaning "God is gracious." Its most famous historical bearer is Joanna of Castile, the 15th-century queen known as "Joanna the Mad," whose tragic life inspired countless works of art. The name also appears in the New Testament as one of the women who discovered Christ's empty tomb. Saint Joanna, wife of Herod's steward Chuza, is venerated in both Eastern and Western Christian traditions. The name Joanna has rich connections across Europe, linking to places like Saint-Jeanne-de-Monts in France and numerous churches dedicated to Saint Joan of Arc. Interestingly, in Scotland, Joanna has never matched the popularity of its simpler variant, Joan, though it enjoyed a modest revival in the 1970s. It remains a classic choice that carries a gentle, timeless grace.