Declining since 2022, #1,118 for boys today.
Popularity of Jovanni since 1978
Babies named Jovanni per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 181 |
| 1990s | 860 |
| 2000s | 2,100 |
| 2010s | 2,306 |
| 2020s | 1,383 |
Meaning & origin
Jovanni is a modern American respelling of the classic Italian name Giovanni, sharing its meaning 'God is gracious' from the Hebrew Yochanan. First recorded in 1978, the name saw a steady rise in use, peaking at rank 1118 in 2012 before beginning a gradual decline. As of 2025, its trajectory has been falling since 2022, though it remains a distinctive choice. Geographically, Jovanni has been most popular in New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado, reflecting a concentration in southwestern states. With its melodic sound and familiar roots, Jovanni occupies a niche between traditional Italian heritage and contemporary American naming trends.
Jovanni is a modern spelling variant of Giovanni, the Italian form of John, which derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'Yahweh is gracious.' The name Giovanni has been used in Italy since the Middle Ages, borne by notable figures such as Giovanni Boccaccio and Giovanni Bellini. The respelling Jovanni is a 20th-century American innovation, influenced by the popularity of Giovanni and a desire for distinctive spellings.
Where Jovanni is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jo, Jovi, Vanni
Sibling names for Jovanni
Names that share Jovanni's style, for a brother or sister.
