Rising since 1997, #4,707 for boys today.
Popularity of Yohannes since 1986
Babies named Yohannes per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 12 |
| 1990s | 39 |
| 2000s | 76 |
| 2010s | 186 |
| 2020s | 127 |
Meaning & origin
Yohannes is a distinctive Ethiopian and Eritrean form of the classic biblical name John. It has been in use in the United States since 1986, with a notable rise in popularity since the late 1990s. As of 2025, it ranked 4,707 nationally, reaching its highest rank in 2022. The name is most common in the District of Columbia, reflecting its use in communities with Ethiopian and Eritrean heritage. Yohannes has a strong cultural and religious significance in the Orthodox Tewahedo tradition, making it a meaningful choice for families honoring that heritage.
Yohannes is the Ethiopian and Eritrean form of Johannes, itself derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." It is a common name in the Orthodox Tewahedo tradition and has been borne by several emperors of Ethiopia, including Yohannes IV (reigned 1872-1889). The name appears in the Ge'ez and Amharic versions of the Bible as the equivalent of John.
Where Yohannes is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yoh, Yoyo, Hannes
Sibling names for Yohannes
Names that share Yohannes's style, for a brother or sister.

