Iyanu
Meaningwonder · Yoruba
Iyanu is an African gender-neutral name meaning “wonder”, with Yoruba roots. Yoruba names often tell a story, such as the circumstances of a child's birth or a family's hopes. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with a short middle name. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.
Did you know?
- GenerationIyanu peaked in 2019, which makes it a Gen Alpha name. The typical Iyanu you'd meet today is about 6 years old.
- HistoryIyanu first shows up in US birth records in 2018, the first year at least 5 babies got it. That makes it a fairly new name, younger than many of today's parents.
US births per million girls, 2019–2025
US births per million boys, 2018–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Iyanu
Iyanu is a gender-neutral name of African origin meaning “wonder”. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It's a fresh, modern name that only arrived in US birth records in recent decades. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name. It works for a boy or a girl, which suits parents who'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
Origin:African names
More African names
- Girl name: Layla · night
- Unisex name: Zuri · beautiful
- Girl name: Aisha · alive
- Unisex name: Cairo · the victorious
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Zaire · river
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Girl name: Zahra · radiant, bright
Questions about the name Iyanu
What does the name Iyanu mean?
Iyanu means “wonder” and comes from Yoruba.
What is the origin of the name Iyanu?
Iyanu is African in origin, and its meaning traces back to Yoruba. Other African names to consider are Layla (“night”), Zuri (“beautiful”), Aisha (“alive”) and Cairo (“the victorious”).
Is Iyanu a boy or girl name?
Both. Iyanu is a true gender-neutral name used for boys and girls. That balance makes it a good pick if you'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
How popular is the name Iyanu?
Iyanu is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2021. It peaked at #10,473 in 2019, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Iyanu?
Iyanu is an African gender-neutral name meaning “wonder”, with Yoruba roots. Yoruba names often tell a story, such as the circumstances of a child's birth or a family's hopes. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with a short middle name. It suits a boy or a girl equally well. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.