Ioannovna

Ioannovna is a female patronymic used in Slavic naming traditions, derived from the given name Ioann, the Greek form of John. The patronymic indicates that the bearer is the daughter of Ioann and is typically used alongside a given name and a family surname in formal contexts.

In Russian and other Slavic languages, patronymics are formed by adding specific suffixes to the father's name: -ovna for daughters and -ovich for sons. From a father named Ioann, the feminine patronymic becomes Ioannovna. In Cyrillic, this is written as Иоанновна, while the corresponding masculine form would be Иоаннович (Ioannovich) in many contexts. The Latinized form Ioannovna appears in English-language sources and in Latin-based transliterations of Russian and Church Slavonic names. A notable historical example is Anna Ioannovna, the Empress of Russia who reigned in the 18th century; her name illustrates the use of a feminine patronymic in a formal royal style.

Usage and cultural role: In modern practice, the patronymic is part of a person’s formal name and is used to address individuals politely or officially. The usual word order in full names is given name, patronymic, and surname (for example, Maria Ioannovna Petrov or Maria Ioannovna Petrov). Patronymics remain common in many post-Soviet states, reflecting traditional family and social etiquette.

See also: patronymic, Slavic naming customs, Russian names.