Rising since 1999, #3,314 for boys today.
Popularity of Yunis since 1997
Babies named Yunis per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 69 |
| 2010s | 194 |
| 2020s | 173 |
Meaning & origin
Yunis is an Arabic given name of deep religious significance, rooted in the story of the prophet Jonah. In the United States, it first appeared in Social Security records in 1997, with a rising trajectory since 1999. Its rank as of 2025 is 3314, with a 1-in-48,802 frequency. The name reached its highest usage in 2024, reflecting growing familiarity among American families. While not tied to any single U.S. state in the available data, Yunis occupies a niche space alongside other Arabic and Islamic names like Yusuf and Ibrahim. Its direct connection to the Quranic prophet gives it enduring weight across Muslim communities.
Yunis is the Arabic form of Jonah, the biblical prophet who was swallowed by a great fish. In the Quran, Yunus (يونس) is a prophet and the only one mentioned by name with his story in full. The name entered Arabic through Hebrew Yonah, meaning 'dove.' It has been used across the Muslim world for centuries.
Sibling names for Yunis
Names that share Yunis's style, for a brother or sister.
