Johna

Meaning & origin

Johna is a feminine form of John, meaning 'God is gracious'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1925 and reached its peak rank in 1963, though it has never been a top-tier name. In recent years, it has seen a slight uptick in use since 2022. As a 1960s revival name, Johna appeals to parents seeking a vintage-sounding but rarely used alternative to more common names like Johanna or Joanna. Its straightforward pronunciation and familiar root give it a classic feel without being common.

Johna is a feminine variant of John, itself from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'Yahweh is gracious'. It emerged in the English-speaking world as a distinctively female form, likely influenced by the popularity of masculine John and the trend of adding 'a' to create feminine versions. The name saw modest use in the early 20th century, with a peak in the 1960s.