Yiannis is a Greek masculine given name of unknown etymology and meaning. It is believed to be derived from the Greek word "iani", which means "violet". However, there is no definitive explanation for its origin or meaning.
The name Yiannis has been used in Greece since ancient times and was particularly popular during the Byzantine Empire (330-1453 AD). During this period, many Greek names were adopted by the Eastern Roman Empire, including Yiannis. It is also believed that the name was brought to Greece by the Byzantines from the Eastern Mediterranean region.
One of the most famous historical figures with the name Yiannis is Saint John Chrysostom (c.349 – 407 AD), who was a prominent Early Church Father and Archbishop of Constantinople. He is often referred to as "Yiannis" in Greek Orthodox tradition, and his feast day is celebrated on January 27th.
In modern times, Yiannis remains a popular name in Greece. It has also gained international recognition due to its use by well-known figures such as Yiannis Mouzalas, a Greek politician and former Minister of Immigration Policy, and Yiannis Ritsos, a renowned Greek poet.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Yiannis born in the United States each year from 1981 to 2023. Over this period, there were a total of 346 births.
From 1981 to 1995, the annual number of births fluctuated between 5 and 18. The highest figure during this time was recorded in 1996 with 18 births. After 1997, there was a decrease in the number of births for several years, with figures ranging from 5 to 12.
However, starting from 2008, there has been an increase in the popularity of the name Yiannis. The numbers have consistently risen each year since then, reaching as high as 28 births in 2023. This trend suggests that the name Yiannis is becoming more common and popular among parents choosing names for their newborn sons.
It's also worth noting that the total number of births has increased significantly over the past decade. From a low of just 5 births per year from 2012 to 2013, the numbers have more than quadrupled by 2023, indicating that Yiannis is now one of the most popular Greek names for boys in the United States.
In conclusion, while the name Yiannis was not particularly common in the United States during the early years of this dataset (1981-1995), its popularity has grown steadily since 2008. This trend reflects a broader increase in the use of Greek names among American parents.