Giovanni Name Meaning & Origin
Giovanni
Origin of the name Giovanni:
The Italian cognate of John (God is gracious), which is derived from the Middle Latin Johannes, an evolution of the Ecclesiastic Late Latin Joannes. Joannes is from the Greek Iōannes, a derivative of the Hebrew Yehanan, a short form of Yehohanan, which is from yehōhānān (Yahweh is gracious). The name is borne in the Bible by several important characters, including John the Baptist, a kinsman and forerunner of Christ.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
Looking for the perfect name? Try the Name MatchMaker to find the perfect baby name for you!
NameVoyager
US Popularity of Giovanni Over Time

Sister & Brother Names
Know a Giovanni? What are his siblings named?
Name Lists Featuring Giovanni
Contribute your knowledge to the name Giovanni
- Comments and insights on the name Giovanni
In Italy the name Giovanni is used as a form of John, but in other country's such as France, Poland, England, Mexico, Russia, United States, Canada, Germany and El Salvador it is used as a form of the more common name Frederick/Fredrick
Giovanni is NOT a form of Frederick in the United States.
- Personal experiences with the name Giovanni
My brother’s name is Giovanni. As a kid he went by Gino, but then in high school people started saying Gio instead of Gino. He is the best brother— super kind an thoughtful. He is one with God. The name definitely fits him.
- Nicknames for Giovanni
Gino, Gio, G, Fred,Halen,Freddie/Freddy, Fritz,Van
- Meanings and history of the name Giovanni
- Famous real-life people named Giovanni
Giovanni Ribisi, American actor.
Giovanni Boccaccio, Italian Renaissance author and poet.
Giovanni Agnelli, Italian entrepreneur (founder of Fiat.)
Giovanni Bellini, Italian Renaissance painter.
Giovanni Schiaparelli, Italian astronomer
Nikki Giovanni, American poet, activist and author.- Giovanni in song, story & screen
Don Giovanni, an opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and based on the legendary character Don Juan.