Rising since 1988, #615 for boys today.
Popularity of Yahya since 1972
Babies named Yahya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 18 |
| 1980s | 96 |
| 1990s | 181 |
| 2000s | 700 |
| 2010s | 1,834 |
| 2020s | 1,747 |
Meaning & origin
Yahya, the Arabic form of John, carries the meaning 'God is gracious' and has deep roots in Islamic tradition as the name of a prophet. In the United States, the name first appeared on the Social Security list in 1972, and it has been rising in popularity since 1988, with its peak year in 2025. As of 2025, Yahya ranks 615th, with about 1 in 3,754 boys receiving the name. It is most common in Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan. The name's steady ascent reflects growing interest in names with religious and cultural significance, particularly among Muslim families.
Yahya is the Arabic form of John, derived from the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' In the Quran, Yahya is honored as a prophet and the son of Zechariah, corresponding to John the Baptist in the Christian tradition. The name has been widely used among Muslims for centuries, reflecting its religious significance.
Where Yahya is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Yahya” around the world
Where Yahya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
225
babies in 2024
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
Quebec
32
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yaya
Sibling names for Yahya
Names that share Yahya's style, for a brother or sister.
