Yianni

Yianni is a masculine given name that is also found as a surname in Greek-speaking communities and among the Greek diaspora. It is a transliteration variant of Giannis, which itself is a familiar form of Ioannis, the Greek equivalent of John.

Etymology and meaning: Ioannes is a name of Hebrew origin, from Yohanan, meaning “Yahweh is gracious.” In Greek usage, Ioannis is the formal form; Giannis or Yiannis is the common informal form. Yianni, as a spelling, often arises in English-language contexts or among families settling outside Greece.

Usage and variants: In Greece, Ioannis is used in formal contexts, with Giannis or Yiannis as the everyday form. Yianni is a less common Anglicized spelling that may appear in passports, school records, or informal communications in English-speaking environments. As a surname, Yianni appears occasionally, typically among families of Greek or Cypriot descent.

Notable usage: The name root is widely recognized in various cultures and has produced numerous individuals across fields such as sports, arts, and academia. The English-language stage name Yanni, used by the Greek-American musician, reflects another common transliteration of the same root name.

See also: Ioannis, Giannis, Yiannis, Yanni.