Ioannis is a Greek masculine given name. It is the Greek form of the Latin name Johannes, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. The name Yochanan means "God is gracious" or "God is merciful". Ioannis is composed of two elements: "Iō", meaning "Yahweh (the Lord)", and "-annēs", meaning "graced by God".
The name Ioannis has been used in Greece since the early Christian era. It was particularly popular during the Byzantine Empire, when many saints were named Ioannis. Some famous figures with this name include Saint John Chrysostom, a prominent church father and Doctor of the Church; Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of independent Greece; and Ioannis Metaxas, a Greek politician who served as Prime Minister from 1936 until his death in 1941.
Today, Ioannis remains a popular choice among Greek parents. It is often shortened to "Yiannis" or "Ioannou" in everyday use. The name has also gained international recognition due to its association with the annual Orthodox celebration of Saint John's Day on January 7th, which is celebrated by Greeks both in Greece and around the world.
In summary, Ioannis is a Greek masculine given name that means "God is gracious". It has been used since ancient times and has been borne by many notable figures throughout history. Today, it continues to be popular among Greek parents and is recognized internationally due to its association with Saint John's Day.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Ioannis has seen varied popularity over the past few decades in the United States.
From 1964 to 1987, the number of babies named Ioannis remained relatively low, with an average of fewer than 20 births per year. However, starting in 1988, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name, with over 25 births recorded annually until 1993.
The years between 1994 and 2007 saw fluctuations in the number of babies named Ioannis, ranging from a low of 14 births in 1987 to a peak of 39 births in 2007. Despite these fluctuations, the average number of births per year during this period was around 25.
From 2008 onwards, there has been a more consistent trend in the popularity of the name Ioannis. The number of births has generally stayed between 15 and 35 each year, with no significant peaks or troughs.
Overall, since 1964, a total of 1,332 babies have been named Ioannis in the United States. While there have been periods of increased popularity over the years, the name has maintained a relatively consistent level of popularity throughout this time period.