Ioana

Ioana is a female given name widely used in Romania and Moldova. It is the Romanian form of Joanna/Johanna, derived from the Hebrew Yoḥanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The name entered Romanian via Latin and Christian traditions and has been common since at least the 18th or 19th century.

In Romanian usage, Ioana remains a popular choice for girls, and it is found throughout Romanian-speaking communities and the Romanian diaspora. The masculine form Ioan corresponds to John in English; related feminine forms in Romanian include Ionela, a name built from Ion.

Cognate forms in other languages include Joana (Portuguese, Catalan), Joanna (English, Polish), Johanna (German, Dutch), and Ioanna (Greek). The name is often seen in religious and secular contexts alike, reflecting its broad cultural footprint.

See also Joana, Joanna, Johanna, Ioanna, Ion.