Yaniv
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 273 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Fewer than 273 Americans have ever been named Yaniv. It first appeared in SSA records in 1979 and peaked modestly at 12 births in 1985 — rare enough to be distinctive, with just enough history to feel grounded.
Yaniv is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Yaniv is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, from the Hebrew yaniv, meaning 'he will prosper' or 'God will flourish.' The root nun-vav-bet relates to growth, fruitfulness, and abundance. Yaniv is a modern Israeli Hebrew name that gained use with the revival of Hebrew as a spoken language in the twentieth century.
Yaniv is popular in Israel and among Israeli American communities, carrying the fresh, post-biblical Hebrew naming tradition that emphasizes concrete aspirations for prosperity and growth.
EtymologyShow more
Yaniv first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1979. First appearing in the 1970s, Yaniv emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Hebrew classification suggests a path from hebrew linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Yaniv has 38+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1979.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 20 | #11545 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 59 | #11642 | — |
| 2000s | 62 | #9624 | — |
| 1990s | 63 | #7987 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 62 | #5879 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 7 | #5347 | — |
The Story of Yaniv
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1985, Yaniv is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Yaniv are most likely born between 1979 and 1995.
How rare is Yaniv?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Yaniv is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1979, peaked in the 1990s with 63 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Yaniv by the numbers
- Would fill 6 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(38 years, 1979–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | #14103 |
| 2022 | 8 | #9790 |
| 2021 | 7 | #10741 |
| 2019 | 7 | #10760 |
| 2018 | 8 | #9633 |
| 2017 | 8 | #9649 |
| 2016 | 6 | #12122 |
| 2015 | 8 | #9522 |
| 2014 | 5 | #13991 |
| 2013 | 7 | #10684 |
| 2012 | 5 | #14155 |
| 2011 | 5 | #14263 |
| 2008 | 6 | #12496 |
| 2007 | 10 | #8146 |
| 2006 | 7 | #10625 |
| 2004 | 5 | #13161 |
| 2003 | 11 | #6699 |
| 2002 | 7 | #9369 |
| 2001 | 8 | #8314 |
| 2000 | 8 | #8183 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yaniv a boy's or girl's name?
When was Yaniv most popular?
How popular is the name Yaniv?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1979–2023