yanky

Yanky is typically a male given name or nickname. In Jewish communities, particularly among speakers of Yiddish and Hebrew, Yanky is a diminutive form of Yankel, the Yiddish version of Jacob. As a given name, Yanky may be used independently or as an affectionate form within families and communities, and it is found in Israel and among diaspora populations.

Variants and spelling of the name vary with transliteration from Yiddish or Hebrew. Common forms include Yankie or Yanky, with pronunciation generally emphasizing the first syllable and ending in a short “ee” sound.

Cultural usage: Yanky reflects a broader practice of using diminutives derived from biblical names in Jewish naming traditions. While not common in the general English-speaking population, Yanky can appear in genealogical records, community directories, or personal introductions within Hasidic or Orthodox contexts.

Other uses: Outside its role as a name, "yanky" is not a widely recognized standard English word. It is not used as a formal noun or adjective in mainstream communication, though it may appear as part of personal names or in local speech within specific communities.

See also: Yankel, Yank, Yankee.