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

02505007501k198020002020Peak 2020: 897
US boysUS girls

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.

StateRank thereBabies
Massachusetts#26822
New Jersey#27333
New York#32755
Nevada#3369
Connecticut#3409

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.

Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
James Boy
JAYMZ
“holder of the heel, supplanter” · English
#6
John Boy
JAHN
“Yahweh is gracious” · Hebrew
#23
Leo Boy
LEE-oh
“lion” · Latin
#19
Rowan Unisex
ROH-uhn
“little red one; rowan tree” · Irish
#59

Sibling names for Gianni

Similar names

Giovanni Boy
jee-oh-VAH-nee
“God is gracious” · Italian
#123
Nico Boy
NEE-koh
“short form of Nicholas, 'victory of the people'” · Italian
#174
Bruno Boy
BROO-noh
“brown” · Germanic
#740
Giovani Boy
joh-VAH-nee
“variant of Giovanni, 'God is gracious'” · Italian
#1,312
Gian Boy
JAHN
“short form of Giovanni; God is gracious” · Italian
#956
Axel Boy
AK-suhl
“father of peace” · Scandinavian
#79
Enzo Boy
EN-zoh
“short form of Lorenzo or Vincenzo” · Italian
#72
Armani Unisex
ahr-MAH-nee
“from the Italian surname; army man” · Italian
#495
Carmine Boy
KAHR-myn
“from Carmel; also crimson” · Italian
#1,035
Roni Unisex
ROH-nee
“my joy” · Hebrew
#6,503
Evan Boy
EH-vuhn
“Yahweh is gracious” · Welsh
#153
Eli Boy
EE-ly
“ascended, uplifted” · Hebrew
#104

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