Girl's Names Beginning With Y

Yaretzi

Nahuatl, Aztec

"you will always be loved"

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…

Yareli

Native American, Spanish variation of Yara, Arabic

"water lady; small butterfly"

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.

Yamileth

Spanish variation of Jamila, Arabic

"beautiful"

Popular in Mexico and familiar in the US, Yamileth is an elaborate and fresh form of Yamila, ultimately derived from the Arabic Jamil. Meaning "beautiful", it shares sounds with other familiar and…

Yasmine

Arabic variation of Jasmine

"jasmine flower"

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

Yuri

Japanese

"lily"

Most familiar to American ears as the Russian variation of George. Not recommended for a daughter.

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…

Yasmeen

Persian

"jasmine flower"

One of the less frequently seen spellings of this popular name.

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…

Yamilet

Yamilet is a feminine name of Spanish origin, combining elements of the names 'Yamila' and the French diminutive suffix '-et.' Popular in Hispanic communities, particularly in Mexico and Central…

Yolanda

Spanish from Greek

"violet flower"

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…

Ysabella

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…

Yadira

Spanish

"worthy"

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…

Yuki

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).

Yvaine

Female variation of Yvain or Scottish

"evening star"

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…

Yona

Cherokee or variation of Jonah, Hebrew

"bear; dove"

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…

Yarrow

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,…

Yaala

Yaala is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, meaning 'to ascend' or 'mountain goat,' symbolizing grace and surefootedness. In some cultures, it's also associated with strength and determination.…

Yadirah

Yadirah is a feminine name of likely Hebrew or Arabic origin. It may be related to the Hebrew name Yadira, meaning 'friend' or 'beloved,' with the added 'h' giving it a distinctive flair. The name…

Yadyra

Yadyra is an exotic feminine name likely derived from Spanish or Latin American naming traditions. While its precise etymology is not widely documented, it may share roots with names like Yadira,…

Yasminia

Yasminia is an elaborate feminine variation of Yasmin (or Jasmine), which originated from Persian and refers to the jasmine flower. The additional 'ia' ending gives the name an expanded, more ornate…