Yunus

Yunus is a masculine given name used in Turkish, Arabic-speaking, and other Muslim-majority cultures. It is the Arabic form of Jonah, derived from the Hebrew Yonah, typically interpreted as meaning “dove.” In Turkish usage, Yunus is a common first name and appears in compound names as well. The name has historical and literary associations, including the famous Turkish poet Yunus Emre.

In religious and cultural contexts, Yunus refers to the prophet Jonah in Islamic tradition. The Qur’an narrates the story of Yunus, who is sent to call his people to repentance and is miraculously delivered after being swallowed by a large fish. The tale is commonly cited for themes of repentance, mercy, and divine rescue. Because of its biblical and Qur’anic resonance, the name Yunus remains widely used in the Muslim world and in communities influenced by these traditions.

Notable individuals bearing the name include Muhammad Yunus (born 1940), a Bangladeshi economist and founder of the Grameen Bank, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work in microcredit and poverty alleviation. Yunus Emre (circa 1238–1320) is celebrated as a major Turkish Sufi poet whose verses contributed to Turkish language and spiritual literature. Others named Yunus span diverse fields such as sports, politics, and academia, reflecting the name’s broad cultural reach.

As a given name, Yunus remains a recognizable marker across regions influenced by Arabic, Turkish, and broader Islamic naming traditions. It is less commonly used as a surname but appears in some contexts.