"God is gracious"
Origin: Hebrew via Greek
Language: Greek
Yannis
Does Yannis flow with your last name?
The classic Greek form of John — timeless and bold
Greek
Cypriot
Mediterranean
Classic
Strong
Earthy
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"gift of God"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
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The Story of Yannis
Yannis is the Greek form of John, derived from the Hebrew Yochanan meaning God is gracious. It has been one of the most enduring names in the Greek Orthodox tradition, honoring Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Apostle. The name spread throughout Greece and Cyprus as Christianity took hold, becoming deeply embedded in Greek culture for over two millennia.
Yannis remains a timeless staple in Greece and Cyprus. The musician Yanni brought a softer international version to global audiences in the 1980s-90s, while Yannis Philippakis of Foals introduced a newer generation to the name.
In Greek Orthodox culture, Yannis is celebrated on June 24th (the Feast of Saint John the Baptist), making it one of the most widely celebrated name days in Greece. It carries a sense of religious heritage and national identity.
Historical Record
Yannis first appeared in US Social Security records in 1973.
Over 559 babies have been named Yannis in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Yannis is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #3,952 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Yannis is one of the most common names in Greece and Cyprus
- The name day (June 24) is celebrated more than birthdays in traditional Greek families
- Yannis Ritsos was one of Greece's most celebrated 20th-century poets
Yannis in Other Languages
Arabic
يحيى
French
Jean
Hebrew
Yochanan
Italian
Giovanni
Spanish
Juan
Popularity Over Time
#3,952
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Yannis
Y
Yannis Philippakis
Musician
1986
Lead singer of British indie rock band Foals, known for their energetic performances
Y
Yanni
Musician
1954
Greek-American keyboardist and composer famous for his new-age instrumental music
Y
Yannis Ritsos
Writer
1909
Prolific Greek poet and one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century
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Compare Yannis with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,952
- Total SSA Count
- 28
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Cypriot Mediterranean
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Yanni
Yan
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Greek heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Yannis
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Yannis is also used as a girl name, ranked #9789.
View Yannis as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yannis
What does the name Yannis mean?
"God is gracious" (from Hebrew via Greek). "gift of God" (from Greek). Yannis is the Greek form of John, derived from the Hebrew Yochanan meaning God is gracious. It has been one of the most enduring names in the Greek Orthodox tradition, honoring Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Apostle. The name spread throughout Greece and Cyprus as Christianity took hold, becoming deeply embedded in Greek culture for over two millennia.
What is the origin of the name Yannis?
Yannis has Hebrew via Greek, Greek, Cypriot, and Mediterranean origins. In Hebrew via Greek, it means "God is gracious". In Greek, it means "gift of God".
Is Yannis a boy or girl name?
Yannis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3952. As a girl name, it is ranked #9789. Yannis is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Yannis?
Yannis is currently ranked #3952 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Yannis?
Common nicknames for Yannis include Yanni and Yan.
What are good middle names for Yannis?
Popular middle name pairings include Yannis Alexander, Yannis George, Yannis Michael, Yannis Constantine, Yannis Dimitri, and Yannis Andreas.
What are good sibling names for Yannis?
Names that pair well with Yannis as siblings include Elena, Sophia, Nikos, Kostas, Maria, and Stavros.
How many syllables does Yannis have?
Yannis has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Yannis a common or rare name?
Yannis is an uncommon name, ranked #3952 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Yannis
Yannis is a boy name with Greek, Cypriot, and Mediterranean origins . The name means "God is gracious" in Hebrew via Greek .
Is Yannis a boy or girl name? Yannis is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,952 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #9,789. Yannis is more commonly used as a boy name.
Yannis is currently ranked #3,952 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Yannis has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Yannis include Yanni and Yan. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis