Ivana is a Slavic name meaning “God is gracious.” It is a feminine form of the name Ivan, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning “God is gracious.” Ivana originated in the Czech Republic and other Slavic countries and continues to be used today.
The name Ivana started gaining popularity in the 1980s, especially after Ivana Trump, the first wife of Donald Trump, rose to prominence. However, the name has been used for centuries in Eastern European countries like Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Bulgaria.
Ivana is often used as a shortened form of names like Ivanka, Ivana Maria, Ivana Rose, and Ivana Grace. The name is associated with positive characteristics like kindness, grace, beauty, and intelligence. Some famous Ivanas include Ivana Milicevic, a Croatian-American model and actress; Ivana Baquero, a Spanish actress; and Ivana Humpalová, a Czech singer.
Why Choose The Name Ivana
Ivana is a name with international appeal. While it may be less common in English-speaking countries, Ivana is a well-established name in Eastern Europe and Russia, with famous bearers like Ivana Trump and Ivana Rihova. This gives the name a sophisticated and worldly flair. Your daughter will likely encounter other Ivanas during her life, instantly forming connections through their shared name.
Practically speaking, Ivana is a name that will likely age well. It sounds lovely on a baby but will suit a professional woman or grandmother, too. The short, punchy one-syllable vowel sounds make it an easy name for young children to pronounce and for teachers to remember. Yet the ‘v’ and soft ‘a’ sounds give it a more mature feel.
Most importantly, a name is a gift. By choosing Ivana, you are giving your daughter a name that means ‘God is gracious.’ You are giving her a name with a history of strength, kindness and grace behind it. Ivana is a name that will remind her each day to live up to its meaning. A name truly has power – the power to shape identity, character and self-perception. By naming her Ivana, you set the stage for her life’s journey in the most beautiful way.
| Meaning | God is gracious |
| Origin | Slavic |
| Other versions | Iva, Ivka, Ivanka |
| Pronunciation | EE-VAA-NUH |
| Famous Ivanas | Ivana Trump, Ivana Rivera, Ivana Rihter |
| Mood | Religious, gracious |
Interesting Facts
- One of the most famous Ivanas is Ivana Trump, Donald Trump’s ex-wife.
- The name Ivana also has a few famous namesakes beyond Ivana Trump. Ivana Milicevic is a former Serbian fashion model and actress. Ivana Sert is a Croatian-French fashion designer. And Ivana Banfić is a Croatian pop singer.
- While Ivana is not a particularly common name in the United States, it has been steadily rising in popularity over the past few decades.
