Yani

♀ Girl

Pronounced YAH-nee /ˈjɑ.ni/Medium

Meaning: A short form of Yanni/Yana — ultimately from Hebrew Yochanan (John/Jane), 'God is gracious'; used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: God is gracious: Yani is a short form of Yanni/Yana. Lyrical, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for girls; said 'YAH-nee').

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Origin LowHebrew, Greek

MeaningA short form of Yanni/Yana — ultimately from Hebrew Yochanan (John/Jane), 'God is gracious'; used for both sexes; here for girls; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#13134 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 322

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

Yani is a short form of Yanni/Yana — ultimately from Hebrew Yochanan (John/Jane), 'God is gracious' (routes layered, which we note). Used for both sexes, here for a girl (slug distinguished; said 'YAH-nee').

In the U.S. it appears for both sexes. Rare, God-is-gracious at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Yanni/Yana come ultimately from Hebrew Yochanan (John/Jane), 'God is gracious' — Yani is a short form, lyrical and modern, used for both sexes (here for girls; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'YAH-nee').

Overall data confidence 36%

References — Yani — unisex; routes layered

Variations

YanniYanaYanie

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Yani…

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Yanni— a name it shortens

Dani— a sound-neighbor -ani girls' name

Nani— a fellow -ani girls' name

Explore names like Yani

By themeuncertain hebrew greek unisex

By meaningGod / Divine Grace

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Yani mean?

Yani is a short form of Yanni/Yana — ultimately Hebrew 'God is gracious'; used for both sexes; here for a girl.

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 girl's name.

How popular is Yani?

Yani is a rare name in the U.S.