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Home › Baby Names Directory › Yani

Yani

♂ Boy

Pronounced YAH-nee /ˈjɑ.ni/Medium

Meaning: A short form of Yannis/Ioannis (John) — from the Hebrew, 'God is gracious'; also a Hopi word ('a spinning top'); used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: God is gracious: Yani is a short form of Yannis/John. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'YAH-nee'). Used for both sexes.
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Origin LowGreek, Hebrew
MeaningA short form of Yannis/Ioannis (John) — from the Hebrew, 'God is gracious'; also a Hopi word ('a spinning top'); used for both sexes; routes layered
U.S. rank (2024)#9814 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 111

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202319972024

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

Yani is a short form of Yannis/Ioannis (John) — from the Hebrew, 'God is gracious'; also a Hopi word ('a spinning top'); used for both sexes (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, classic name (here for a boy; slug distinguished; said 'YAH-nee').

In the U.S. it appears in Greek and Hispanic families. Rare, God-is-gracious at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? John/Yannis is 'God is gracious' — Yani is a short form, used for both sexes, crisp and classic (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'YAH-nee').
Overall data confidence 28%
References — Yani — Greek/Hebrew; unisex; routes layered

Variations

YannisYanniYanny

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Yani…

Yanni— a kin spelling
Yannis— the source name
Gianni— a fellow John-derived boys' name
Johan— a companion John form

Explore names like Yani

By themeuncertainhebrewgreekunisex
By meaningGod / DivineGrace

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Yani mean?

Yani is a short form of Yannis/John — Hebrew 'God is gracious'; also a Hopi word; used for both sexes; here for a boy. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Yani?

It's said YAH-nee /ˈjɑ.ni/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Yani a boy or girl name?

Yani is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Yani?

Yani is a very rare name in the U.S.

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