Gianni
BoyItalian, Hebrew· “short form of Giovanni, 'God is gracious'”
- Meaning
- short form of Giovanni, 'God is gracious'
- Origin
- Italian, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- JAH-nee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #524
- US babies 2025
- 571
- Best rank
- #354 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2020
Meaning and origin of Gianni
Gianni is an Italian and Hebrew name that means “short form of Giovanni, 'God is gracious'”.
Gianni is an Italian short form of Giovanni, the Italian version of John. John comes from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning God is gracious. Gianni has long been used as an independent name in Italy, borne by figures such as fashion designer Gianni Versace and automobile executive Gianni Agnelli. In the United States it has become popular as a stylish Italian choice. The name has a smooth, confident sound and a sense of Mediterranean flair. It is usually pronounced JAH-nee, with the initial G softened into a J sound.
Other spellings with the same sound: Johnny, Johnnie, Johnie, Johny.
Popularity over time
Gianni first appears in US Social Security records in 1962. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 29 different years, starting in 1997. Its best national rank was #354 in 2020, the same year it reached its highest count of 897 babies. In 2025, 571 babies were named Gianni, and it ranked #524 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,876 in 1980, #730 in 2000, #583 in 2010, and #524 in 2025. Of the 15,487 US boys named Gianni since records began, 36% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 4,474 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Lawson, Kason, Wilder, Zayne, and Nasir.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Gianni ranked highest in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #268 | 22 |
| New Jersey | #273 | 33 |
| New York | #327 | 55 |
| Nevada | #336 | 9 |
| Connecticut | #340 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 82% of US babies named Gianni over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Gianni is usually pronounced JAH-nee, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with G and ends in “-ni”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Johnny, Johnnie, Johnie, and Johny.
Middle names for Gianni
A few middle names that flow with Gianni: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Gianni
Similar names
Lists that include Gianni
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gianni mean?
Gianni is an Italian and Hebrew name that means “short form of Giovanni, 'God is gracious'”.
What is the origin of the name Gianni?
Gianni has Italian and Hebrew roots. Gianni is an Italian short form of Giovanni, the Italian version of John.
Is Gianni a popular name?
Yes. Gianni ranked #524 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Gianni a boy or girl name?
Gianni is mainly a boy's name. About 82% of US babies named Gianni over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Gianni?
Gianni is usually pronounced JAH-nee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings