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Yiannis

♂ Boy

Pronounced YAH-nees /ˈjɑ.nis/High

Meaning: Modern Greek form of John (Ioannis) — Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'High

In 30 seconds: John, in modern Greek warmth: Yiannis means 'God is gracious' — borne by basketball's Giannis Antetokounmpo and composer Yanni. Friendly, melodic, and proudly Hellenic.
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Origin HighGreek, Hebrew
MeaningModern Greek form of John (Ioannis) — Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'
U.S. rank (2024)#3674 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births31 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 377

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419812024

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

History & Origin

Yiannis is the modern Greek form of John (formal Ioannis) — Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'. One of the most common Greek men's names, it is borne by basketball great Giannis Antetokounmpo and others, carrying everyday Hellenic warmth.

In the U.S. it appears in Greek-heritage families. Rare, gracious at the root, and melodic.

Did you know? NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo — the 'Greek Freak' — carries this everyday Greek John; and the one-name musician Yanni made another form globally famous.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name — Ioannis — etymology

Variations

GiannisIoannisYannis

Nicknames

Yanni

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Yiannis…

Giannis— a fellow spelling of the same name
Ioannis— the formal Greek form
Yanis— a fellow Greek choice
Yunis— shares Yiannis's Hebrew roots
Ellis— another Hebrew name

Browse the whole category: All Greek names →  ·  All Hebrew names →  ·  All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Yiannis mean?

Yiannis is the modern Greek form of John, Hebrew for 'God is gracious'.

How do you pronounce Yiannis?

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

Is Yiannis a boy or girl name?

Yiannis is a boy's name.

How popular is Yiannis?

Yiannis is a rare name in the U.S.