Yahya Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Yahya is an Arabic name meaning 'to live', derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. It has evolved linguistically from Hebrew to Arabic and is linked to John the Baptist in religious texts. The name is popular in Islamic culture and is associated with positive traits. It has significant biblical relevance as it refers to a prominent prophet.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Yahya"
Pronunciation
/jɑːˈhɑː/
Origin
Arabic
Etymology
The name Yahya is derived from the Arabic language, and it means 'to live' or 'he lives'. It is associated with the Hebrew name Yochanan, which also means 'God is gracious'.
Meaning
to live
Language Evolution
Yochanan (Hebrew), Yahya (Arabic)
Biblical Background
Yahya is the Arabic form of John, specifically referring to John the Baptist, who is a significant figure in both Christianity and Islam.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Islamic world due to its association with John the Baptist, a prophet in Islam known as Yahya ibn Zakariya.
Variants & Derivatives
Yahya, Yochanan, John
Modern Popularity & Image
Yahya is a common name in Muslim-majority countries and is often associated with religious significance and virtue.
Famous People
Yahya Jammeh (former President of Gambia), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (American actor)
📊 Yahya Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Yahya Name Visualizations
✨ Yahya Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 378 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 24 US states, with strongest presence in Minnesota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Yahya"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Yahya"
"Yahya" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7089th of 10718 | 26 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4185th of 16616 | 189 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1766th of 24088 | 1,180 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 951st of 23106 | 2,724 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 33240th of 35406 | 6 |
Regional Popularity of "Yahya" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
55.06% 2464th/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
29.40% 1347th/4582 |
24.65% 1273rd/5164 |
27.95% 2044th/7313 |
23.29% 1738th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
18.20% 725th/3984 |
15.38% 690th/4487 |
17.30% 1180th/6822 |
17.45% 1095th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Yahya" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Yahya"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Yahya" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Yahya" in the United States
The name Yahya is most popular in Minnesota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Yahya has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Yahya' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7089th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4185th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1766th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 951st out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 33240th out of 35406 names. Discover how the name 'Yahya' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.