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Yianni

♂ Boy

Pronounced YAH-nee /ˈjɑ.ni/Medium

Meaning: Pet form of Yiannis (Ioannis) — the Greek John, from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'Medium

In 30 seconds: God is gracious: Yianni is the Greek John — warm and lively. Crisp, sunny, and beloved (said 'YAH-nee').

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Origin MediumHebrew, Greek

MeaningPet form of Yiannis (Ioannis) — the Greek John, from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'

U.S. rank (2025)#5844 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births16 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2011

Total births (all-time)≈ 471

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

Yianni is a pet form of Yiannis (Ioannis) — the Greek form of John, from Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'. A warm, lively, beloved name across Greece; said 'YAH-nee'.

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

Did you know? John means 'God is gracious' (Hebrew Yochanan) — Yianni is the warm Greek pet form of Yiannis/Ioannis; crisp and sunny (chef Yianni; said 'YAH-nee').

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Ioannis — root etymology

Variations

YiannisIoannisGianni

Nicknames

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If you like Yianni…

Yiannis— the full Greek name

Gianni— the Italian form

Ioannis— the formal Greek John

Dimitri— a fellow Greek boys' name

Explore names like Yianni

By themehebrew greek

By meaningGod / Divine Grace

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Yianni mean?

Yianni is the Greek John — Hebrew 'God is gracious'.

How do you pronounce Yianni?

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

Is Yianni a boy or girl name?

Yianni is a boy's name.

How popular is Yianni?

Yianni is a rare name in the U.S.