Arabic Names that Start With Y

The multicultural Yara is a sweet but substantial choice that could make a more unusual take on Sara and also work in multiple languages Popular in Portugal, The Netherlands, and Switzerland, familiar in the UK and France, it entered the US Top 1000 in 2017 and has been climbing the charts ever since.

This name, whose sweet and fragrant floral essence has always been widespread across the Near Eastern world, has now landed on US popularity lists in a variety of spellings. It's been dropping precipitously over the past few years, though, perhaps due to a combination of tensions in the Middle East and the fading fashion status of Jasmine itself.

This Hebrew and Arabic name hit the US Top 300 in 2004 via an unusual inspiration: A Mexican pop singer and telenovela star known simply as Yahir, who was himself named after a Brazilian soccer player. Possibly a variation of the Hebrew Jair the Arabic Zahir, Yahir has since declined since its peak in the 2000s, however, it does remain in the latter end of the US Top 1000.

Any of the Y forms, which also include Yasmeen, Yasmin, and Yasmina, make this name more unusual and distinctive.

Yusuf is the Arabic form of Joseph, used in the Middle East, as well as internationally from France and the US, to the UK, Turkey and Azerbaijan - where, as of 2023, it ranked in the Top 100.

This beautiful and fresh name has a timeless meaning. Its popular -eth ending ensures it sits well with traditional names like Judith and Elizabeth, while its uncommon Y beginning makes it a good choice for parents looking for unique baby names. We think this name is a pretty alternative to the tired Yasmin/Yasmeen and the minimalist Yara.

Yesenia is a Latinx favorite popularized by a character on a Spanish-language soap opera. Jessenia is another variation. The name is drawn from the name of a palm tree in South America, but Yesenia is also an Arabic name meaning flower, making it an excellent cross-cultural choice.

Variation of the name Yara—an Arabic name well-used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries meaning "butterfly"—with the suffix from names like Maritza.

Yushua is a masculine name that represents a transliteration variation of Joshua, which derives from Hebrew and means 'Yahweh is salvation.' This particular spelling reflects how the name appears in some transliterations from Semitic languages, particularly resembling the Arabic form Yusha or the alternative Hebrew pronunciation. The name maintains the same biblical significance as Joshua, referring to Moses' successor in the Old Testament. Yushua offers a multicultural dimension to the traditional name, potentially appealing to families seeking to honor both Western and Middle Eastern or North African heritage. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, this variation provides a distinctive alternative that remains connected to the widely recognized original. The pronunciation typically remains similar to Joshua, though some may emphasize the first syllable differently.

In this country, very much tied to PLO leader Arafat.

Yasmina is a feminine name of Arabic and Persian origin. It is a derivative of the name Yasmin, which refers to the jasmine flower, known for its sweet fragrance and delicate white blossoms. The jasmine flower symbolizes purity, love, and sensuality in many cultures. The addition of the 'a' ending gives the name a more feminine touch in some traditions. Yasmina has gained popularity beyond the Middle East and North Africa, becoming increasingly common in Europe and other parts of the world. The name carries a beautiful exotic quality while remaining easy to pronounce in many languages, contributing to its international appeal.

Attractive Middle Eastern choice used in a variety of spellings.

Yashtahi is a masculine name with Indigenous American origins, likely derived from Native American languages. While specific information about this uncommon name is limited in mainstream sources, it appears to be connected to tribal naming traditions. Names in many Native American cultures often carry significant meanings related to nature, spiritual qualities, or important events. The rhythmic quality of Yashtahi suggests a name that would have ceremonial significance within its original cultural context. Names from Indigenous American traditions have increasingly been appreciated for their distinctive sounds and cultural depth, though it's important to approach such names with respect for their heritage and traditional meanings within specific tribal communities.