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How do you spell John in Italian?

Published in Italian Name 2 mins read

In Italian, the name John is most commonly spelled and translated as Giovanni.

Understanding Giovanni: The Italian Equivalent of John

Giovanni is a widely recognized male Italian given name. It originates from the Latin name Ioannes, reflecting a deep historical and linguistic connection that establishes it as the direct Italian equivalent for the English name John.

Variations and Contractions of Giovanni

While Giovanni is the full and formal form, it is frequently shortened or appears in composite names in everyday usage. These variations are an integral part of Italian naming conventions:

  • Common Contractions and Diminutives:
    • Gianni: This is a very popular and widely used diminutive of Giovanni.
    • Gian: Another common short form, often used independently or as part of compound names.
    • Gio: A more casual and often affectionate abbreviation.
  • Composite Names:
    • The contraction "Gian" frequently appears in composite names. A notable example is Gianbattista, which combines "Gian" with "Battista" (the Italian equivalent of Baptist).

Giovanni as a Surname

It is also worth noting that Giovanni is not exclusively a given name; it can also be found as a surname in Italy, underscoring its historical prevalence and cultural significance within Italian society.

Spelling Giovanni

To spell Giovanni, you would use the following letters:

Letter Italian Pronunciation (Approximate)
G Jee
I Ee
O Oh
V Vee
A Ah
N En-neh
N En-neh
I Ee