Origin and Meaning of Yiannis

Meaning & Origin

God is gracious

Origin: Greek - Yiannis is a variant of Ioannis, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious'.

Interesting Facts

  • Yiannis is a common name in Greece and is often used in honor of Saint John the Baptist, who is revered in both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions.
  • The name Yiannis is widely used in Greek culture and has numerous variations in other languages, including John (English), Juan (Spanish), and Giovanni (Italian).
  • Notable bearers of the name include Yiannis Mavridis, a Greek footballer, and Yiannis Stournaras, a prominent Greek economist.
  • In recent years, Yiannis has remained a popular name in Greece, often ranking high among baby names, reflecting traditional preferences.
  • Variations of the name include Giannis, Yannis, and Ioannis. Giannis, in particular, has gained international recognition due to the Greek basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo.