As Giannis Antetokounmpo rises to fame in the US, so too does name ‘Giannis’ for baby boys

The name’s popularity rose by 135 per cent in 2018

The 24-year-old Milwaukee Bucks forward, dubbed ‘the Greek Freak’, has gone on to become an NBA star and as a result a household name. In fact Giannis is doing so well that he is the current favourite to win this year’s NBA MVP award.

So it’s not surprising that everybody wants a piece of Giannis, some even going so far as to name their baby boy after him.

According to data released by the US Social Security Administration last month, the name ‘Giannis’ increased in popularity by 135 per cent in 2018 – 662 per cent higher than 2016 – a significant leap given in 2015 fewer than five babies in the US were named Giannis.

The Athens-born basketballer first signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013.