The nameYahya
Yahya is the Arabic form of John. It is at its highest level ever in England and Wales.
- Boy's name
- Arabic
- Feast day
Meaning
Yahya is the Arabic name of John the Baptist. It is often understood as "he lives".
Origin
Arabic, related to the Hebrew Yohanan.
History
John the Baptist, Yahya in the Quran, is honoured as a prophet in Islam. In England and Wales the name reached 81st place in 2025, its best rank.
Famous people named Yahya
- Yahya Jammeh, former president of the Gambia
- Yahya Kemal Beyatlı, Turkish poet
Popularity of the name Yahya
Yahya in the United States
Yahya was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 1,840 births over the decade, 45% of all recorded babies named Yahya. Its rise began around 2000, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Yahya in the United States were born before 2016, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 258 births a year on average, against 219 in the five years before.
Yahya in the United Kingdom
Yahya was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 2,832 births over the decade, 44% of all recorded babies named Yahya. Its rise began around 2003, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Yahya in the United Kingdom were born before 2018, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 492 births a year on average, against 337 in the five years before.
Yahya in France
Yahya in Belgium
Sibling names for Yahya
Names from the same generation as Yahya, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Yahya? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Yahya with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Yahya side by side with the name of your choice.
Yahya in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Yahya mean?
Yahya is the Arabic name of John the Baptist. It is often understood as "he lives".
What is the origin of the name Yahya?
Arabic, related to the Hebrew Yohanan.
Is Yahya a girl's or a boy's name?
Yahya is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Yahya?
In 2024, Yahya was the 705th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 378 births.
What are good sibling names for Yahya?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Aya, Khadija, Estelle and Isra for a sister, Zayd, Rayan, Musa and Muhammad for a brother.
Who are famous people named Yahya?
Yahya Jammeh, former president of the Gambia; Yahya Kemal Beyatlı, Turkish poet.