By Brynn McKeon · Updated September 2026
Across 4 pages
of 4
Japanese
"gentle person"
An alternative transcription of Yūto, a Japanese name that has a variety of meanings, depending on which kanji combinations are used. Possibilities include: "gentle person", "excellent, superior…
Spanish place name
Not strictly Spanish but Guanche, the original inhabitants of the Canary Islands, this place name became popular as a first in Spain via a trilogy by Alberto Vazquez Figueroa. The Guanche meaning of…
Hebrew
"to flow down, descend"
The name Jordan comes from Yarden, which is also the name of the River Jordan in Hebrew. In Israel, Yarden is a Top 200 name for girls.
Botanical name, English
"rough stream"
Yarrow is a flowering herb that grows wild in Europe and North America, and has long been used in several Native American and European cultures as a healing plant. Named for the mythical god Achille,…
Welsh
"fertile upland"
An appellation that couldn't be more Ivy League or sound less Welsh. The name of the University is taken from the surname of college benefactor Elihu Yale. In the movie Manhattan , Yale Pollack is…
Spanish from Hebrew
"gold"
Names that end in I are hot right now, but Yari has yet to be discovered. It's a unisex name more common among girls, perhaps due to its similarity to Yara.
"peaceful, quiet"
Calming Japanese choice.
"peaceful; flat"
Scottish, English
"the gates"
Admirers of the haunting works of esteemed Irish poet and playwright William Butler Yeats might consider this surname-style name, especially for the middle spot. Ultimately derived from the Old…
"beloved, friend"
A modern (and very rare) form of Jedidah, the mother of the biblical king Josiah.
Chinese surname
Yee is related to the surname Yu, a romanization of several Chinese characters. Yu is an ancient Chinese family name, one borne by the legendary Emperor Shun.
Vietnamese
"calm, peaceful"
Also spelled Yên, this simple Vietnamese name has a serene sound and meaning.
Yiddish
"light"
Too close to yenta.
Ynes is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Inés or Inez, which are Spanish and Portuguese forms of Agnes. The name ultimately derives from the Greek word 'hagnos,' meaning 'pure'…
"good girl; ocean child"
There are many in Japan, but for most Americans there's only one Yoko. Yoko Ono writes her name with characters meaning "ocean" and "child".
Yola is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Polish, it's a diminutive of Jolanta, meaning 'violet flower.' The name also exists independently in African cultures, particularly in…
Diminutive of Yolanda, Spanish
"violet flower"
This perky Spanish nickname deserves to be more popular. Singer Michael Bublé recently used it as one of the middle names for his daughter Cielo, which may give Yoli a boost.
English
"from the yew estate"
Brisk, preppy York is an underused classic with the potential to really shine in the 21st century. It's most familiar as a place name — York is a city in England — and surname. New York City and…
Native American tribal name
"those who kill"
The evocative name of one of our most beautiful national parks -- yes, but also the bombastic cartoon character, Yosemite Sam.
Spanish variation of Isaiah, Hebrew
"salvation of the Lord"
Ysai is a less-known variation of the popular Isaiah.
