Last Name Yohannes

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yohannes

The meaning and origin of the last name Yohannes

The surname Yohannes is derived from the given name John, which has Hebrew origins. In Hebrew, the name John means "God is gracious" or "God has shown favor." The name was popularized by Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist in Christian tradition, leading to its widespread usage in various cultures and languages.

The surname Yohannes, with slight variations such as Johannes, Johansson, Johanson, etc., can be found across different regions, including Scandinavia (where it's derived from the Old Norse form of John) and Ethiopia (where it has been adopted by some families of Christian origin). Its usage can also be traced back to other parts of the world, particularly among communities with a strong connection to Christianity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yohannes

The surname Yohannes, originating from the Ethiopian form of John, is predominantly found in regions with significant Ethiopian populations. This includes Ethiopia itself, where it is among the top 20 most common last names due to its biblical roots. Beyond Ethiopia, diaspora communities in North America, Europe, and Australia also have individuals bearing the name Yohannes, primarily of Ethiopian descent. In the United States, for example, concentrations can be found in states with large Ethiopian-American populations like California, New York, Minnesota, and Washington D.C. In Europe, London in the United Kingdom hosts a substantial Ethiopian community with members carrying the name Yohannes.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yohannes

The surname Yohannes has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Here are some common variations:

1. Yohannes: This is the most common English spelling of the name, derived from the Biblical name John or its Hebrew form, Yochanan.
2. Ioannis: This is the Greek form of the name, which can also be transliterated as Iōannēs.
3. Johannes: This is the Latin form of the name, and it's commonly used in many European countries, particularly Germany, Holland, Scandinavia, and Switzerland.
4. Johann: This is a shortened version of Johannes, more common in German-speaking regions, as well as among Amish and Mennonite communities.
5. Yoannes: A variant spelling that can be found in certain contexts, particularly when the name has been transcribed from languages using different alphabets.
6. Yanai (ינאי): This is the Hebrew form of the name John, which can also be transliterated as Yonah or Yona. It's worth noting that while Yohannes and its variations are based on the Greek and Latin forms of John, Yanaï is a direct translation from the Hebrew name Yochanan.
7. Janos (János): This is the Hungarian version of Johannes, pronounced 'Yanos'.
8. Johanes: A less common variant found in some English-speaking regions and among immigrants.

Famous people with the last name Yohannes

Notable individuals with the surname Yohannes include:

1. Emperor Yohannes IV (1832-1889), also known as John IV, was the emperor of Ethiopia from 1872 until his death in 1889. He played a significant role in repelling Italian invasions and expanding Ethiopian territory during his reign.

2. Ras Imhotep Yohannes (c. 1863-1943), also known as Dejazmatch Yohannes, was an Ethiopian military leader who served under Emperor Menelik II. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Adwa in 1896, which marked a major victory against Italian colonial forces.

3. Haile Yohannes (born 1957), better known by his stage name Toure, is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and is known for blending elements of blues, folk, and West African music in his work.

4. Yohannes Abraham (born 1967), also known as John Abraham, is a Nigerian-American actor, producer, and former model. He is best known for starring in several Hollywood films, including "Daredevil" and the HBO series "Westworld."

Genealogical research on the last name Yohannes

The surname Yohannes, derived from the Hebrew and Aramaic forms of John, has a rich history dating back to biblical times. In Christianity, John is one of the twelve apostles and authors of the Gospel according to John. The name spread globally through Christian communities, with variations such as Johannes (German), Johannson (Swedish), Johansen (Norwegian), Jonas/Jonsson (Icelandic), Jan/Janowski (Polish), Juan/Jimenez (Spanish), and Giovanni/Giovannetti (Italian).

The Yohannes lineage is particularly significant in Ethiopia, where the name of the revered Emperor Haile Selassie I was Tafari Makonnen Yohannes. He reigned as Emperor from 1930 to 1974 and was a symbol of resistance against colonialism in Africa. In the diaspora, notable figures with the surname include Yohannes Abraham, an Ethiopian-American writer, and Yohannes Woldemariam, a professor at Howard University specializing in African studies.

Thus, the name Yohannes is a testament to a rich cultural heritage, spanning various continents and epochs, with its roots grounded in Christianity and biblical times.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Yohannes"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 23 July 2025