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Last Name Johanna

What is the origin of the last name Johanna?

The last name "Johanna" is likely of Norwegian or Swedish origin. It could be derived from the personal name "Johann" or "Johannes," which are variations of the name John. In Scandinavian countries, it is common for surnames to be derived from given names. Therefore, the last name "Johanna" could have originally been a patronymic surname, meaning it was derived from a person's father's first name, such as "son of Johan." Another possibility is that "Johanna" could have been a surname taken on by a family to honor or show allegiance to a prominent figure named Johann or Johannes.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Johanna

The meaning and origin of the last name Johanna

The surname Johanna is of Scandinavian origin and is derived from the feminine given name Johanna, which itself is a variant of the name Joanna. Johanna is a form of the English and German name Jane, which ultimately comes from the Hebrew name Yochana, meaning "God is gracious." The name became popular in Christian circles due to its association with Saint Joanna, one of the women who followed Jesus and supported his ministry. Over time, the name Johanna evolved into a surname, likely as a patronymic form meaning "son of Johanna" or to denote someone who was a descendant of someone named Johanna. Today, the surname Johanna is relatively rare but may still be found in Scandinavian countries and among individuals of Scandinavian descent in other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Johanna

The last name Johanna is relatively rare and is primarily concentrated in European countries, particularly in Scandinavia. In countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, the surname Johanna can be found in small pockets across the region. Outside of Europe, the name is less common but can also be found in some parts of North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. The origins of the surname Johanna suggest a Scandinavian or Germanic influence, which may explain its prevalence in those regions. Overall, individuals with the last name Johanna are likely to have roots in Northern Europe, particularly in countries with strong ties to Scandinavian culture and history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Johanna

The last name Johanna may vary in spelling and have several different variations. Some common variations include Johannson, Johannessen, Johannesson, Johansson, Johanesen, Johanneson, and Johnsson. The name may also be spelled as Johanne or Johannes in other languages or regions. Additionally, the surname can be hyphenated or combined with other names to create new variations such as Johanna-Smith or Johanna-Klein. Due to the diverse phonetic interpretations and transliterations in different languages and cultures, the last name Johanna can be spelled in various ways depending on the personal preference or historical background of the individual or family. Ultimately, the variations of the last name Johanna showcase the flexibility and adaptability of surnames across different contexts and regions.

Famous people with the last name Johanna

There are not any famous individuals with the last name Johanna. However, it is common for people to use "Johanna" as a first name rather than a last name. Some famous individuals with the first name Johanna include Johanna Konta, a British tennis player who reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 2016, and Johanna Braddy, an American actress known for her roles in television shows such as "UnREAL" and "Quantico". While the last name Johanna may not be well-known in the public eye, those with the first name have made notable contributions in the fields of sports and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Johanna

The last name Johanna is of Dutch and German origin and is derived from the given name Johann, ultimately of Hebrew origin meaning "God is gracious." The surname Johanna is typically a patronymic, indicating descent from a male ancestor named Johann. One possible lineage of the Johanna surname may include individuals with the given name Johann, whose descendants adopted the surname as a way to identify their paternal lineage. There may also be variations in the spelling of the surname, such as Johanne, Johannis, or Johannes, depending on the regional differences in pronunciation or dialect. Genealogical research on the Johanna surname may involve tracing back family records, birth certificates, and marriage licenses to uncover previous generations and branches of the family tree, ultimately providing a comprehensive understanding of one's ancestral heritage.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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