The name Yeny is a variant spelling of the Hebrew name Yeheni, which means "God's gift" or "God has given." It is rooted in the ancient Hebrew language and can be traced back to biblical times in the Middle East. The earliest recorded use of the name Yeheni appears in the Book of Chronicles, an ancient Jewish text dating back to around the 5th century BCE.

One of the first notable historical figures with the name Yeny was Yeny ben Yehoiada, a high-ranking Jewish priest who lived during the reign of King Joash in the 9th century BCE. He is mentioned in the Second Book of Kings and the Second Book of Chronicles, where he is credited with restoring the Temple in Jerusalem and overseeing religious reforms.

In the 2nd century BCE, Yeny ben Gamala was a renowned Jewish scholar and leader of the Sanhedrin, the highest court of justice in ancient Israel. He is known for his contributions to the development of Jewish law and his efforts to preserve Jewish traditions during a time of Roman occupation.

During the Middle Ages, Yeny ben Moses of Toledo was a prominent Spanish Jewish philosopher and poet who lived in the 12th century. He was known for his works on ethics, theology, and his commentary on the biblical Song of Songs.

In the 16th century, Yeny Ashkenazi was a prominent Italian rabbi and scholar who contributed to the study of Jewish law and the Talmud. He is particularly known for his work "Beit Yosef," a comprehensive commentary on the Jewish legal code known as the Shulchan Arukh.

Another notable figure with the name Yeny was Yeny Menuhin, a Russian-born American violinist and conductor who lived from 1916 to 1999. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century and was renowned for his interpretations of works by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms.