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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 (2025)#4534 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births23 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 400

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

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

Explore names like Yiannis

By themehebrew greek

By meaningGod / Divine Grace

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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.