Yanis

Yanis is a masculine given name used primarily in Greece and among Greek-speaking communities. It is a common transliteration of the Greek name Yiannis or Giannis (Γιάννης), which itself derives from Ioannes, the Greek form of John. The root ultimately comes from the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning “God is gracious.” The spelling Yanis is widely used in Greece and by members of the Greek diaspora, and it can also appear as a standalone form in non-Greek contexts. Variants include Yiannis, Giannis, and Yannis; a common diminutive is Yanni.

In terms of usage, Yanis is most prevalent in Greece and Cyprus, with bearers among Greek expatriate communities in Western Europe and North America. The name’s familiarity from Greek history, religion, and culture contributes to its continued popularity. As with many names of biblical origin, it has been adopted across different cultures and languages, sometimes with localized pronunciations.

Notable people with the name include Yanis Varoufakis (born 1961), a Greek economist and former minister of finance, who brought international attention to the spelling Yanis. Beyond public figures, the name appears across various fields, including sports and the arts, particularly among Greek communities.

See also: John; Ioannes; Yiannis; Giannis. The name Yanis shares its roots with the broader family of names descended from Ioannes, all variants of the given name John.