The name Yani is a diminutive form of the Greek name Ioannis, which is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The name has its origins in ancient Greek and Hebrew cultures, dating back to biblical times.

The earliest known reference to the name Yani can be found in the New Testament of the Bible, where it appears as the name of John the Baptist, a Jewish preacher who baptized Jesus Christ. This suggests that the name has been in use for over 2,000 years.

In the Byzantine Empire, which spanned from the 4th to the 15th century, the name Yani was relatively common among Greek-speaking populations. One notable figure from this period was Yani Anagnostes, a 9th-century scholar and teacher who lived in Constantinople.

During the Renaissance, the name Yani gained popularity in Italy, particularly in the city of Venice, which had close ties with the Byzantine Empire. One of the most famous Italians with this name was Yani Bellini, a renowned painter from the Venetian Renaissance, who lived from 1430 to 1516.

In the 17th century, the name Yani appeared in Russia, where it was adopted as a variant of the name Ivan. One prominent Russian with this name was Yani Krylov, a writer and fabulist who lived from 1769 to 1844.

In more recent history, the name Yani has been used in various parts of the world, including Greece, Russia, and the Balkans. One notable figure was Yani Smyrnelis, a Greek Communist leader who played a significant role in the Greek Resistance during World War II.