Yahya
Yahya is a boy name of Arabic origin meaning “He lives, John”, pronounced YAH-yah. It ranked #616 in the United States in 2025, given to 455 babies, and peaked at #616 in 2025. Common nicknames: Yaya, Hya.
How popular is Yahya in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Yahya mean, and where does it come from?
Yahya is the Arabic form of John — Hebrew Yochanan — and the name the Quran gives to John the Baptist, who is honoured as a prophet in Islam; Muslim tradition reads the name through the root h-y-y, "to live." It is used across the Arab world, Turkey, Iran and West Africa. American records hold it from 1972; it entered the top thousand in 2015 and reached its highest position in 2025, one of the fastest-rising Arabic names in the United States.
How is Yahya used around the world?
Yahya is used in 2 languages worldwide.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Yahya?
Famous People Named Yahya
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II — American actor and Emmy Award winner
- Al-Nawawi — Syrian scholar and jurist, born Yahya ibn Sharaf
- Yahya Jammeh — President of the Gambia
Similar Names to Yahya
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Sibling Name Ideas for Yahya
Looking for names that pair well with Yahya? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Yahya mean?
Yahya is a boy name of Arabic origin meaning "He lives, John." Yahya is the Arabic form of John — Hebrew Yochanan — and the name the Quran gives to John the Baptist, who is honoured as a prophet in Islam; Muslim tradition reads the name through the root h-y-y, "to live." It is used across the Arab world, Turkey, Iran and West Africa.
How do you pronounce Yahya?
Yahya is pronounced YAH-yah. Common variations include Yehya, Yahia, Yaya.
Is Yahya a boy name?
Yes, Yahya is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Yaya, Hya.