By Brynn McKeon · Updated September 2026
Across 4 pages
of 4
Breton
"God is gracious"
Yannick originated as a diminutive of Yann, the Breton form of John. However, it has since become popular as a standalone name in its native region of Brittany, as well as in France as a whole, where…
Japanese
"snow; happiness"
Succinct and memorable, Yuki is a Japanese name, which may relate to winter or joy, depending on the kanji used. It is a unisex choice, notably borne by singer Yuki Kuramochi (stylized as YUKI).
French
"yew wood"
On paper, with its stylish ties to fashion legend Yves Saint-Laurent (born Henri), Yves looks great, but the pronunciation--EVE-- could lead to gender confusion. German variation Ivo might be cooler…
Spanish variation of Isabel, variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
Ysabel is the original spelling of this ever-more-popular name, though to English-speakers, the initial Y may confuse pronunciation. Only 14 baby girls were given the Ysabel spelling in the US last…
"superior garment"
Very popular girls' name in Japan not quite as easy to transport westward as the also-popular Rin.
Spanish
"pure, virginal"
Y is a very rare initial, and this feisty mini-name packs a double punch with its spiky final Z. Inez or Inez are the more familiar spellings of this chic name, which is related to Agnes and could be…
"relaxed and caring"
Yuji is among the most common male names in Japan, in part due to its positive meaning. Americans may recognize it from the anime series Jujustu Kaisen as the name of the humanistic and compassionate…
Short yet impactful, this Japanese name with has two appealing meanings, depending on which kanji are used. It may be associated with joy, or with a wintery scene.
French/Breton variation of John
This might be a better choice than the similarly pronounced Jan, to avoid gender confusion.
Yago is a masculine name with Spanish and Portuguese origins, functioning as a variant of James (Santiago in Spanish). Derived ultimately from the Hebrew name Ya'akov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter,'…
North American Indian
"son of a chief"
The a ending gives it a feminine feel.
Japanese, meaning unknown
Yasuke was the first African samurai in Japan, who served as a retainer under Oda Nobunaga. He arrived in Japan in 1579 with Portuguese Jesuits and Italian Jesuit missionary Alessandro Valignano.…
Japanese, Yoruba
"land of the dead; my joy"
The Japanese word for the land of the dead, it may also be interpreted as meaning "world of darkness" or "yellow springs". According to Japanese mythology, Yomi isn't like heaven (a place of reward…
"reliable"
An appealing, usable Japanese choice, since there are so many familiar ori/ory-ending Western names.
Variation of Jonathan, Hebrew
"gift of Jehovah"
Jonathan variation that is common among Jewish baby boys in Israel.
"good, respectful"
A classic Japanese name known to kids around the world as a Nintendo video-game character.
American variation of Jansen, Dutch, Native American
"son of Jan; yankee"
Yancy has two separate American origins — first as the Native American term for "Yankee," and second as the Americanized variation of the common Dutch surname Jansen. Jan being the Dutch form of…
Hebrew
"to flow down, descend"
The name from which Jordan arose, Yarden has a nice combination of river imagery and a sound connoting a garden. Like Jordan, used for both sexes.
Botanical name, English
"rough stream"
Highly unusual as a baby name for either gender, Yarrow is an herb that grows wild and has long been used for its medicinal property. It's named for the mythical Achilles, who was said to carry…
