joni

Joni is a given name used in multiple cultures. In English-speaking contexts it is primarily a feminine name, often a diminutive of Jonathan or a feminine form of John. In Finnish and some other European languages, Joni is a masculine given name, equivalent to John/Jon. Because its gender association varies by region, Joni can be encountered as both a male and a female name in different communities.

Etymology and usage: Joni shares roots with Jonathan, which derives from Hebrew Yehonatan, meaning “Yahweh has given.” The form Joni has been used both as a nickname and as an independent given name. In English-speaking countries, it has largely become established as a girl’s name since the mid-20th century, though it remains common as a male name in some other regions.

Notable people: Joni Mitchell (born 1943) is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter known for influential albums and songs such as Big Yellow Taxi and A Case of You. Joni Ernst (born 1964) is an American politician who serves as a United States Senator from Iowa. Joni Eareckson Tada (born 1949) is an American author, painter, and disability rights advocate who has been a prominent public figure since her paralysis in an accident as a young adult.