Yahia

Yahia is a masculine given name common in Arabic-speaking countries and in Muslim communities. It is the Arabic form of the name John, derived from the Hebrew Yochanan, traditionally interpreted as "God is gracious." In Islamic tradition, Yahya is the name of the prophetic figure Yahya ibn Zakariya, known in English as John the Baptist. The name carries cultural and religious associations with life and prophecy, and it is widely used across the Arab world, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa, as well as in diaspora communities.

Variants and transliteration: The name appears in several spellings, including Yahya, Yehia, Yehya, and Yahiya, depending on language and transliteration systems. It is generally masculine, though some spellings may be used in feminine forms in different cultures.

Usage: Beyond being a given name, Yahia can appear as a surname in some families or regions where patronymic naming practices are common.

Notable bearers: The name is borne by many figures in politics, literature, sports, and religion across Arabic-speaking regions; it is especially common in countries such as Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon.

See also: Yohanan, John, John the Baptist, Yahya in Islamic tradition.