Find out how popular the first name Jannis has been for the last 22 years (from 1988 to 2009) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jannis by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Jannis is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2009, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Jannis.

The history of the first name Jannis

The name Jannis is derived from the Greek name Ioannis, which is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious". Ioannis evolved into various forms across different languages, including Jannis in German and Dutch.

The name Ioannis can be traced back to the early Christian era and was borne by several important biblical figures, such as John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. It gained widespread popularity due to its association with these revered figures in the New Testament.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Jannis can be found in medieval German texts from the 12th and 13th centuries. During this period, the name was particularly common in Germanic regions and was often used as a variant of the more traditional Johann or Johannes.

Notable historical figures who bore the name Jannis include Jannis Laskaris (c. 1322-1362), a Byzantine scholar and grammarian who played a significant role in the revival of classical Greek studies during the Renaissance. Jannis Kounoupiotis (1801-1865), a Greek painter and one of the pioneers of the Greek artistic renaissance in the 19th century, was another prominent bearer of the name.

In the realm of literature, Jannis Ritsos (1909-1990) was a celebrated Greek poet and a prominent figure in the leftist literary movement of the 20th century. His works often explored themes of social injustice, political oppression, and the human condition.

Moving to the world of sports, Jannis Phokas (1913-1986) was a Greek footballer who played as a forward for Panathinaikos and the Greek national team in the 1930s and 1940s. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Greek football.

Finally, Jannis Kounellis (1936-2017) was a prominent Greek-Italian artist, considered a pioneer of the Arte Povera movement in the 1960s. His work often incorporated everyday materials and explored the relationship between art and the urban environment.

While the name Jannis has its roots in Greek and Hebrew origins, it has been embraced by various cultures over the centuries, making it a rich and diverse name with a fascinating history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Jannis was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Jannis, please contact us.

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