Yanai

♂ Boy

Pronounced yah-NIGH /jɑːˈnaɪ/Medium

Meaning: A Hebrew name (Yannai) carried by sages of the Talmud and by the Hasmonean ruler Alexander Yannai; it is usually explained from a root meaning 'to answer' or 'he will answer', with 'God will answer' also offered. Readings differ, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A Hebrew name with rabbinic roots: Yanai is often read 'he will answer' (said 'yah-NIGH').

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Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningA Hebrew name (Yannai) carried by sages of the Talmud and by the Hasmonean ruler Alexander Yannai; it is usually explained from a root meaning 'to answer' or 'he will answer', with 'God will answer' also offered. Readings differ, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#14144 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 42

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Yanai renders the Hebrew name Yannai, borne by sages named in the Talmud and by the Hasmonean ruler known as Alexander Yannai. It is generally traced to a root meaning 'to answer', giving readings such as 'he will answer' or 'God will answer', though scholars differ. In modern Israel it is used as a fresh, short name for boys. Readings vary, which we note (said 'yah-NIGH').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare here, familiar in Israel.

Did you know? Yannai is a name from the Talmud — several sages carried it — and it is used today in Israel as a bright, modern-sounding classic.

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Yanai — Hebrew Yannai (Talmudic sages; Alexander Yannai); 'to answer' root, debated

Variations

YannaiYanayJanai

Nicknames

YanNai

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Yanai mean?

Yanai is a Hebrew name (Yannai) usually read from a root meaning 'to answer'; readings such as 'he will answer' and 'God will answer' are both offered, which we note.

How do you pronounce Yanai?

It's said yah-NIGH /jɑːˈnaɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Yanai a boy or girl name?

Yanai is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Yanai?

Yanai is a very rare name for boys in the U.S., though better known in Israel.