← All names

Johanna

Girl name · 319 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Johanna: 319 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 21 births in 1975.

Johanna is the feminine form of Johannes, ultimately derived from the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning "God is gracious." It has been borne by notable figures including Johanna Spyri, the Swiss author of *Heidi*, and Johanna of Austria, a 16th-century archduchess and patron of the arts. While no major places are directly named Johanna, the etymological root connects it to countless towns and cities worldwide named John or its equivalents, such as San Juan and Johannesburg. In Scotland, Johanna sits alongside its English counterpart Joanna, though the “h” spelling reflects German and Scandinavian influence. The name experienced modest popularity in Scotland during the 1970s and 1980s, often chosen by families with continental European ties or a fondness for classic, grace-centred names.