Jannis

Jannis is a masculine given name used in several European countries. It is a variant form of Ioannes, the Greek form of John, and appears in German- and Dutch-speaking contexts as well as in Greece in transliterated forms. In Greek usage, the standard forms are Giannis or Yiannis, while Jannis is a less common Latinized spelling.

The name Ioannes originates from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning “God is gracious.” Through Latin and Greek transmissions, it developed into various forms across languages. Jannis, as a spelling variant, reflects phonetic adaptations in Western European writing systems and can be encountered in personal naming conventions outside strictly Greek contexts.

Usage and distribution vary by country and era. In German- and Dutch-speaking areas, Jannis has been adopted as a straightforward, modern given name for boys. It is less common than Giannis/Yiannis in Greek-speaking regions but may be used by families with Greek heritage or by parents seeking a distinctive international variant.

Notable people with the name include Jannis Niewöhner, a German actor born in 1991, known for roles in film and television; and Jannis Kounellis (1936–2014), a Greek-Italian artist recognized for his large-scale installation works. These individuals illustrate the name’s cross-cultural usage in Europe.

Variants and related forms include Giannis, Yiannis, Ioannes, and John, reflecting the name’s long history and broad geographic reach.