Rising since 1990, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Yiannis since 1981
Babies named Yiannis per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 20 |
| 1990s | 78 |
| 2000s | 56 |
| 2010s | 93 |
| 2020s | 153 |
Meaning & origin
Yiannis, the modern Greek vernacular of Ioannis, has seen a gradual rise in U.S. usage since the 1990s. First recorded in Social Security data in 1981, the name reached its peak popularity in 2024, with a rank of 4396 in the latest year (2025). While still uncommon (1 in 74264 births), it has gained traction in states like Florida, reflecting Greek-American presence. The trajectory shows steady growth, particularly from 1990 onward. Yiannis offers a distinctive cultural connection for families with Greek heritage, balancing tradition with a sound familiar to English speakers through the nickname Yanni.
Yiannis is the modern Greek vernacular form of Ioannis, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'Yahweh is gracious.' The name has been in continuous use in Greece and the Greek diaspora, often associated with Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist. In the 20th century, Yiannis became particularly popular in Greece, often shortened to Yanni.
Where Yiannis is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yanni, Giannis, Gianni
Sibling names for Yiannis
Names that share Yiannis's style, for a brother or sister.
