Ionela

Ionela is a Romanian feminine diminutive of Ion, the Romanian form of John. John derives from Hebrew Yehochanan, meaning “Yahweh is gracious,” and became one of Christianity’s most widespread names through John the Baptist and John the Apostle. The suffix -ela creates an affectionate feminine form. Notable bearers include Romanian Olympic athlete Ionela Târlea and Romanian rower Ionela Cozmiuc. Ioana is another common Romanian feminine form of John.