Joan is the feminine form of the name John and the English spelling of the Hebrew name Joanna. It is derived from the Hebrew word Yohanan, which means "Yahweh is gracious". The name has its roots in the Greek and Latin phrases Ioannes and Ioanna, making it cognate with John and connected to all of its many forms. The name Joan has been disseminated widely into many languages and cultures, along with its feminine form. Some notable figures with the name Joan include Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans and religious heroine, and various ruling queens of Naples, Navarre, and Castile. The name Joan is often associated with religious sentiment and is considered a title for those of faith. Throughout history, the name Joan has been borne by various notable figures in different fields, such as Pope Joan, who was a woman masquerading as a man, and actresses Joan Crawford, Joan Fontaine, and Joan Collins.
