Rising since 2019, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Yanai since 1986
Babies named Yanai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 9 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 33 | 0 |
| 2010s | 19 | 6 |
| 2020s | 47 | 46 |
Meaning & origin
Yanai is a Hebrew name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1986, reflecting its relatively recent adoption in English-speaking countries. The name carries a spiritual resonance with its likely meaning 'God answers' or 'He will answer,' making it meaningful for families seeking a name with religious significance. As of 2025, Yanai ranks 10,107 in popularity, with a 1-in-178,585 birth rate, and has been rising steadily since 2019, peaking in 2023. The name is versatile in gender usage but leans masculine in its cultural origin. With a melodic sound and strong meaning, Yanai offers a distinctive yet accessible choice for modern parents.
Yanai is likely a variant of the Hebrew name Yannai, which itself may derive from the Hebrew root meaning 'to answer' or 'to respond' (as in God answering prayers). It has been used in Israel and among Jewish communities. The name also appears as a surname. Its usage as a given name has grown in the United States since the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yan
Variants: Yannai
Sibling names for Yanai
Names that share Yanai's style, for a brother or sister.
