Declining since 2012, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Yonis since 1994
Babies named Yonis per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 32 |
| 2000s | 128 |
| 2010s | 178 |
| 2020s | 87 |
Meaning & origin
Yonis is a name that entered U.S. records in 1994 and has seen limited but consistent use. It peaked in 2011 and has been gradually declining since 2012, reflecting a pattern seen in many culturally specific names as communities settle and naming trends shift. With a 2025 rank of 8,243 and a frequency of 1 in 189,786 births, Yonis remains a rare but recognizable choice, primarily within Somali-American families. Its connection to the prophet Yunus (Jonah) gives it a strong religious and cultural foundation, shared across Arabic and Somali traditions.
Yonis is a Somali and Arabic form of Yunus, the Arabic name for the prophet Jonah. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew Yonah, meaning 'dove'. In Islamic tradition, Yunus (Jonah) is a prophet known for being swallowed by a whale. The name has been in use among Somali-speaking Muslims for generations, often reflecting religious devotion.
“Yonis” around the world
Where Yonis lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yoni
Sibling names for Yonis
Names that share Yonis's style, for a brother or sister.
