Not too much name, but make sure you check on its popularity in your area if that matters to you. I was very surprised to learn that Gianna is in the top 10 where I live.
I think it's okay. I like some other Italian names better. And I don't think it sounds silly with a non-Italian last name, but a Larsen and Gianna sibset does seem a little odd.
I'm also 1/2 Italian and my husband's stupid Dutch last name ruined most of my name choices. I like the name, but depending on your last name it might not work.
PCOS Dx 12.08 / BFP! 4.22.10 DS1 born 1.4.11 DS2 born 6.19.13
I'm also 1/2 Italian and my husband's stupid Dutch last name ruined most of my name choices. I like the name, but depending on your last name it might not work.
Our last name would sound fine with it, I just didn't know if it would be strange because it's not an Italian last name.
I'm also 1/2 Italian and my husband's stupid Dutch last name ruined most of my name choices. I like the name, but depending on your last name it might not work.
Our last name would sound fine with it, I just didn't know if it would be strange because it's not an Italian last name.
Meh, if it sounds fine then I would use it. I mean, first and last names don't have to match nationalities, I just wouldn't go with Gianna O'brian or something.
PCOS Dx 12.08 / BFP! 4.22.10 DS1 born 1.4.11 DS2 born 6.19.13
Sure, go ahead and name your child a name that will not be pronounced "correctly" (i.e., the way you want it pronounced) by half the people who pronounce it, and certainly anyone familiar with the language of the name's origin.
The popularity of this trend (Gianna, Giada, Giuliana, etc ad nauseum) eludes me. And I'm Italian-American. Gianna is the "prettiest" of these, as Giada looks like an intestinal disease and Giuliana is just ugly, but none of them are a good choice, even if your last name is ridiculously Italian.
And yet, shockingly, no one ever uses this trend to go with a gorgeous and underused Italian "G" name: Giovanna.
I think it's pretty. I know two, and both pronounce it Gee-ah-nuh. I'm not sold on it with Larsen, though. I think something more classic would be a better match.
the bug & bee blog
(read it. you know you want to.)
anderson . september 2008
vivian . february 2010
mabel . august 2012
This is a popular name in some Catholic circles after St. Gianna Molla.. an inspiring modern Italian doctor and mother of four. I know several little Gianna's who aren't blatantly Italian. I do like the name but I am a sucker for "anna" names. I am a tad concerned it's getting too popular though, and I've read on this board several times that the Italian pronunciation is different from the way most Americans say the name... that would concern me.
I like it. I've always heard it pronounced "Jee-on-uh" but very quickly so it sounds almost like two syllables. It becomes "jeon-uh." I'd call it two and a half syllables.
I like it fine but I think it's weird to give your kid a name that you don't pronounce correctly. It's Jahn-ah, just like Giada is pronounced like Jah-dah.
Re: Your thoughts on Gianna
Just the fact that it's three syllables.
Two angel babies 11/09 and 4/10
Baby Name Popularity by State
It's not actually three sylables. The i just makes the G take on a soft sound. It's not pronounced.
It should be JAHN-a, not jee-AHN-ah. Drives me batty when people give it 3 sylables.
Oh, I thought that's how it was pronounced.
Two angel babies 11/09 and 4/10
I'm also 1/2 Italian and my husband's stupid Dutch last name ruined most of my name choices. I like the name, but depending on your last name it might not work.
I just looked it up and most websites say it can be pronounced either way.
Two angel babies 11/09 and 4/10
Our last name would sound fine with it, I just didn't know if it would be strange because it's not an Italian last name.
Two angel babies 11/09 and 4/10
This too. Like Chiara is pronounced KEY-ara and bruschetta is pronounced brusKetta.
Meh, if it sounds fine then I would use it. I mean, first and last names don't have to match nationalities, I just wouldn't go with Gianna O'brian or something.
I've always heard it pronounced Gi-an-na and I think it's beautiful. I do think that it sounds a little weird with your sons name though.
Love it,,,
lets see if i can spell it though,.,.
Gianna
Jah-na
HA!

YES to the name Gianna - pronounced either way!
Sure, go ahead and name your child a name that will not be pronounced "correctly" (i.e., the way you want it pronounced) by half the people who pronounce it, and certainly anyone familiar with the language of the name's origin.
The popularity of this trend (Gianna, Giada, Giuliana, etc ad nauseum) eludes me. And I'm Italian-American. Gianna is the "prettiest" of these, as Giada looks like an intestinal disease and Giuliana is just ugly, but none of them are a good choice, even if your last name is ridiculously Italian.
And yet, shockingly, no one ever uses this trend to go with a gorgeous and underused Italian "G" name: Giovanna.
(read it. you know you want to.)
anderson . september 2008
vivian . february 2010
mabel . august 2012
I thought with Italian names, all vowels and consonants are sounded out; making Gianna three syllables?