Girl's Names Beginning With Y
- Yvonne
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"yew wood"Description:
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, has more modern appeal.
- Yvette
Origin:
French, feminine of YvesMeaning:
"yew tree"Description:
This French name has the elegance of other '-ette' names such as Colette and is a botanical name without being too obvious about it.
- Yvaine
Origin:
Female variation of Yvain or ScottishMeaning:
"evening star"Description:
A mix of Yvonne and Elaine, Yvaine was first noticed in the Neil Gaiman fantasy novel and then movie Stardust, in which Claire Danes played the 'fallen star' Yvaine. This In all its forms, one of the most classic Scottish names for girls is now attracting namer attention--just as that other Gaiman-inspired name, Coraline, did. Yvaine has a definite romantic, medieval charm. A small segment of namers are definitely taking notice.
- Yolanda
Origin:
Spanish from GreekMeaning:
"violet flower"Description:
Bold and distinctive, Yolanda is a floral name that doesn't sound frilly or delicate. Ultimately deriving from the Greek words ioles meaning "violet" and anthos meaning "flower", it appears in a variety of forms internationally, including Jolanda, Jolanta, Iolanthe, Iolanta, Iolanda, and Jolana.
- Yaretzi
Origin:
Nahuatl, AztecMeaning:
"you will always be loved"Description:
This unusual name from the Nahuatl or Aztec language has one of the best meanings around. It sprang onto the US popularity list in 2006 and made a brief appearance in the Top 300 before sliding down a bit. It's popular in Mexico and with US Americans of Latino or Hispanic heritage, hitting on two big girl name trends in those communities: Ya- beginnings and -i endings.
- Yasmine
Origin:
Arabic variation of JasmineMeaning:
"jasmine flower"Description:
Any of the Y forms, which also include Yasmeen, Yasmin, and Yasmina, make this name more unusual and distinctive.
- Yona
Origin:
Cherokee or variation of Jonah, HebrewMeaning:
"bear; dove"Description:
A name with a double animal connection via two distinct origins, one Native American and the other Hebrew and Biblical. Yona is rare in the US but not unknown: It was given to a dozen baby girls in 2021.
- Yareli
Origin:
Native American, Spanish variation of Yara, ArabicMeaning:
"water lady; small butterfly"Description:
Possibly a derivative variation of Yara, a popular name in Spanish-speaking countries meaning butterfly, Yareli was given to more than 400 baby girls in the US last year.
- Yuki
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"snow; happiness"Description:
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).
- Yuri
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Most familiar to American ears as the Russian variation of George. Not recommended for a daughter.
- Yamileth
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
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.
- Ysabella
Description:
Ysabella is an ornate variant spelling of Isabella, ultimately derived from Elizabeth, which has Hebrew origins meaning "pledged to God" or "God is my oath." This elaborate spelling with its initial 'Y' gives the classic name a distinctive, exotic flair while maintaining its regal associations and historical connections to queens and nobility across Europe. The 'Y' beginning evokes Spanish or medieval European influences, giving the name an antique, romantic quality. While less common than the standard Isabella, Ysabella appeals to parents seeking a unique twist on a beloved classic. The name allows for popular nicknames like Bella, Ysa, or Ysabel. Despite its unusual spelling, the name maintains the melodic flow and feminine elegance that has made Isabella a perennial favorite across many cultures.
- Yimmi
Origin:
Choctaw, Native AmericanMeaning:
"believes"Description:
A cute, upbeat name with a covetable meaning.
- Yolande
Description:
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 after the Norman Conquest and gained popularity throughout medieval Europe. The name has royal connections, having been borne by several medieval queens and noblewomen, including Yolande of Aragon in the 15th century. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Yolande has maintained a consistent presence, appreciated for its elegant, vintage sound and distinctive character. Alternative forms include Yolanda, Iolanthe, and Violante, which evolved in different European languages.
- Yarrow
Origin:
Botanical name, EnglishMeaning:
"rough stream"Description:
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, Yarrow is a symbol of enduring love.
- Yevette
Description:
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 the feminine diminutive form and gained popularity outside France in the mid-20th century. This 'Ye-' spelling variation likely aims to clarify pronunciation in English-speaking contexts, making the initial sound more intuitive than the traditional 'Y'. While Yvette peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, the Yevette spelling has remained quite rare. The name carries a certain vintage elegance with French associations, though this particular spelling creates a subtle distinction from the more traditional form.
- Yedida
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"beloved, friend"Description:
A modern (and very rare) form of Jedidah, the mother of the biblical king Josiah.
- Yadira
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"worthy"Description:
Yadira is a popular choice in Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia, and has also been a favorite among Latin American families in the US. Popularized by actress Yadira Jiménez in the mid-20th century, its exact etymology is unknown, but a likely possibility is that it comes from the Arabic Jadira, usually interpreted as meaning "worthy", though "bloom" is also suggested.
- Yvonnie
Description:
Yvonnie is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Yvonne, which itself derives from the masculine name Ivo or Yves, with Germanic origins meaning "yew wood" or "archer." This elaborated form adds a softer, more melodic quality to the traditional Yvonne. Popular primarily in the mid-20th century, Yvonnie represents a trend of creating distinctive variations of classic names. The added syllable gives the name a flowing quality while maintaining its sophisticated French character. Though never among the most common names, Yvonnie appealed to parents seeking something recognizable yet slightly unusual. The name carries associations with elegance and refinement inherited from its French roots. Less common today, Yvonnie has a vintage charm that might appeal to parents looking for names with mid-century style but distinctive spelling.
- Yasmeen
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"jasmine flower"Description:
One of the less frequently seen spellings of this popular name.
