French Names that Start With Y
Single page list
The names
Yvonne
French
"yew wood"
Peaking in the 1950s, Yvonne has now dropped out of the Top 1000 in 2003 and doesn't look set to return soon, although its rare Y initial might endear it to some. Yvaine, from Neil Gaiman's Stardust…
Yevette
Yevette is an uncommon spelling variation of Yvette, a French feminine name derived from the Germanic name Ivo, meaning 'yew' (a type of tree symbolizing strength). The traditional Yvette emerged as…
Yolanthe
Yolanthe is a distinctive variation of Yolande, a name derived from the medieval French name Violante, which relates to the Latin word for 'violet flower.' This elaborate version adds sophistication…
Yvette
French, feminine of Yves
"yew tree"
This French name has the elegance of other '-ette' names like Colette and Odette, and is a botanical name without being too obvious about it. Related to the sleek French name Yves, it was popular in…
Yolande
Yolande is a feminine name of medieval French origin derived from the Germanic elements 'yol' meaning 'viking' or 'valiant' and 'lande' meaning 'land' or 'territory'. It was introduced to England…
Yves
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…
Yvon
Yvon is a masculine name of French origin, serving as a variation of Yves or Yvonne. Derived from the Germanic element 'iv,' meaning 'yew tree,' which symbolized strength and endurance in ancient…
Yvet
Yvet is an uncommon masculine variation of the French name Yvette, which itself derives from the Germanic name Ivo, meaning 'yew tree' or 'archer.' While Yvette is traditionally feminine, Yvet…
Yann
French/Breton variation of John
"God is gracious"
This might be a better choice than the similarly pronounced Jan, to avoid gender confusion.
Yannick
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…
Yanis
Greek, French, from Hebrew
"gift of God"
One of the relatives on the widely-branching family of John names, Yanis is in the French Top 50 and was a fast rising choice in the UK in 2022, when it went from being outside the Top 1000 to within…