Zhanna

The name Zhanna has its roots in the Greek language and can be traced back to the early Christian era. It is a feminine form of the name Ioannēs, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The name Zhanna is a variation of the more common name Joanna or Johanna.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Zhanna can be found in the New Testament of the Bible. In the Gospel of Luke, Zhanna is mentioned as one of the women who followed Jesus and supported his ministry out of their own means (Luke 8:3). This biblical reference suggests that the name was in use during the first century AD.

In the 4th century, there was a prominent Christian martyr named Zhanna, who was executed in Rome during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Her feast day is celebrated on June 27th in the Orthodox Christian tradition.

During the Middle Ages, the name Zhanna gained popularity in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Ukraine. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Zhanna, the daughter of Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich, who ruled Novgorod in the late 10th century.

In the 15th century, Zhanna d'Arc, better known as Joan of Arc, was a French heroine who played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War against England. She was born around 1412 and was executed in 1431 at the age of 19 for heresy.

Another famous bearer of the name was Zhanna Hélène Samary (1868-1949), a French actress and comedian who had a successful career on the Parisian stage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In the 20th century, Zhanna Aguzarova (born in 1962) is a Russian singer and actress known for her influential work in the Russian rock and punk scene.

Zhanna Pintusevich-Block (1972-2016) was a Ukrainian-American chess player who achieved the title of International Master and was a two-time U.S. Women's Chess Champion.