Meaning, origin, history
The name Yanis is of Greek origin and means "to yawn" or " Architect". It is a variant spelling of the name Ian, which has a similar meaning. The name has been used throughout history, but it was not until recently that it gained popularity as a given name.
Yanis is believed to have been first used as a personal name in ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, Yanis was the name of one of the fifty Nereids, who were sea nymphs and daughters of the god Nereus. The name may also be derived from the Greek word "yianos," which means "architect."
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Yanis. For example, Yanis Varoufakis is a Greek economist and politician who served as the Minister of Finance in Greece from 2015 to 2016. Yanis Afenderis was a Greek actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career.
Today, Yanis is used as both a given name and a surname. It is particularly popular in France, where it has been among the top 100 names for boys since the late 20th century. Despite its popularity, Yanis remains a unique and distinctive name with a rich history and meaningful significance.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Yanis since 1880
Total births
563
Total since 1880
Peak year
2021
68 births
in 2023
55
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+143%
↗
vs previous 5 years