Yani is a unisex given name of Greek origin, meaning "grace" or "favor". It is pronounced /ˈjɑːni/ in English and is often spelled as Yanni or Giannis depending on the country of usage. This name has been used in various cultures throughout history but gained significant popularity in recent years due to its modern sound and association with notable figures like Greek composer Yanni and Italian football coach Gianfranco Zola, who was known professionally as simply "Zola". In Greece, Yani is typically considered a male name, while in other countries such as Italy or the United States, it can be used for both boys and girls. Its popularity has steadily increased since the late 20th century, with notable bearers including Greek basketball player Yannis Antetokounmpo and Italian actor Giancarlo Giannini.
The name Yani experienced peaks and valleys in popularity over the years, with a notable surge in recent times.