Vanna is a given name that first appeared in recorded European history circa 1294. The Italian medieval feminine name originated in Tuscany, and is particular to Florence, Italy.

History

The name Vanna first appears in print in La Vita Nuova, a 1294 book of verse written by Dante Alighieri, an Italian Florentine poet. In one verse, Dante writes that (anthropomorphized) Love itself proclaims that Vanna is Primavera ("Springtime") and declares that Beatrice's name is "Love". Vanna is also a Cambodian unisex name (វណ្ណា Vaṇṇā ) meaning "Gold". It originates from ancient Sanskrit Varṇa. Cambodian names are chosen for various themes such as Nature and positive attributes.

Variations

Vannetta; Vanetta; Vannina; Vanni, similar to the first name Ivanna.

Meanings and usage

The name Vanna is particular to the Tuscan province of Italy where usage originated during the Renaissance and became popular as a feminine first given name. Vanna is the feminine root form of Giovanni, the Italian cognate of John, meaning "God is gracious". An Italian variant that closely resembles the name but was a family name and not in usage as a first or given name is the rare surname vanno, from ancient Latin meaning "she who sifts" (or "assesses") and "merit". Vanna is a Cambodian given name to either females or males and means "golden" and "golden colored". In Hebrew, Vanna means "God's gift". The Russian and Czech variation Ivanna means "God is gracious". Van is short for the Scottish variation Evan, meaning "Youth" and "God's grace". The Italian Name day is July 23, in memory of the Blessed Vanna of Orvieto, who died in 1306.

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