Yanis is of Greek origin, meaning 'Johnny'. It is composed of two elements, 'Ianos' and 'Is', which together mean 'gift from God'. Yanis gained popularity in France during the 20th century but has since spread to other countries like Belgium, Greece, and Canada. In some languages, it can also be spelled as Ianis or Iannis.
The name Yanis experienced a significant increase in popularity from 2006 onwards, with a notable spike beginning in 2014. Between 2014 and 2023, the number of births with the name Yanis almost tripled, rising from 29 to 55 births per year. This upward trend suggests that the name has gained considerable popularity among parents in recent years. However, it is important to note that these figures may vary based on regional trends and cultural influences.