MallowbyNames

Yaniv

yah-NEEV · He will prosper; God will be gracious.

Peak popularity
1985
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Yaniv since 1979

Babies named Yaniv per year in U.S. Social Security records.

4812198020002020Most births 1985Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1970s7
1980s62
1990s63
2000s62
2010s59
2020s20

Meaning & origin

Yaniv is a modern Hebrew name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1979. At its peak in 1985, it saw modest use, though it has never reached the top 1000. The name has remained stable in usage since the 1980s, with fewer than a few dozen births per year nationwide. It is distinctly Israeli in flavor, often chosen by families wanting a name that feels both biblical-rooted and contemporary. As a consonant-stressed two-syllable name, it fits well alongside other Hebrew favorites like Noa and Amit. Despite its low frequency, Yaniv carries a clear and positive meaning of prosperity and divine grace.

Yaniv is a modern Hebrew name derived from the verbal root י.נ.ב (y.n.b.), meaning to bear fruit or prosper. It is a relatively recent coinage in Israel, becoming popular in the late 20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Yani, Niv

Sibling names for Yaniv

Names that share Yaniv's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Noa, Shira, Tamar, Yael, Maya

Brothers: Amit, Oren, Erez, Itai, Yonatan

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

Y is for Yaniv, our favorite little boy.

Y is for Yaniv…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Yaniv's letter becomes Yaniv's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Yaniv's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Yaniv mean?
Yaniv means 'he will prosper' or 'God will be gracious' in Hebrew.
How popular is the name Yaniv?
Yaniv has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. Its peak year was 1985, and it remains infrequent.
Is Yaniv a boy or girl name?
Yaniv is predominantly a boy's name.