WeeNames Scotland’s favourite name finder

← All names

Younes

Boy name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Younes: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 2018.

Younes is the Arabic form of the biblical name Jonah, ultimately deriving from the Hebrew *Yonah*, meaning “dove.” It is most familiar in Scotland through families with North African or Middle Eastern heritage, and the name carries a gentle symbolism of peace and new beginnings. Notable bearers include Moroccan international footballer Younes Belhanda, known for his creative midfield play, and Iraqi footballer Younes Mahmoud, a national captain celebrated for his leadership. While no Scottish places share the name directly, the etymological root appears in the Old Testament prophet whose story of repentance and mercy resonates across three major faiths. A common variant, Yunus, is widely used in Turkey and South Asia; in Scotland, Younes has a warm, distinctive sound that bridges cultures without losing its soft, lyrical feel.

Boy 1 of 52 years

Peak year
20183 babies
Latest (2018)
#7043 babies
Total births
3since 2018
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2018 · 3
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).