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.

This French name has the elegance of other '-ette' names such as Colette and is a botanical name without being too obvious about it.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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 international choices, including Yara, Camila, and Arleth.

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.

A cute, upbeat name with a covetable meaning.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 quality while preserving the floral connection and exotic appeal of the original. While Yasmin has widespread global usage, Yasminia remains considerably rarer, making it an uncommon choice that still feels familiar. The jasmine flower symbolizes beauty, elegance, and sweetness in many cultures, imparting these positive associations to the name. Yasminia has a flowing, melodious quality with its four syllables and graceful sound pattern. This elaborated form might appeal to parents who appreciate the familiar Jasmine but seek something more distinctive and elaborate with an enhanced feminine quality.

Yolantha is a feminine name that represents a variation of Yolanda, which has Greek origins meaning 'violet flower.' The added 'th' gives the name a more elaborate and distinctive sound. Yolanda itself derives from the medieval name Violante, connected to the Latin word 'viola.' Yolantha has never been widely used in English-speaking countries, maintaining a sense of exoticism and uniqueness. The name carries an air of elegance and vintage charm, appealing to parents seeking something unusual yet recognizable. With its flowing syllables and romantic quality, Yolantha evokes images of European royalty and classical beauty while maintaining its distinctive character.

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 America, the name has been steadily gaining recognition in the United States since the 1990s. Yamilet carries connotations of beauty, charm, and grace. The name has a melodious flow and distinctive character that appeals to parents seeking a name with cultural richness without being overly common. Its contemporary feel and international appeal have contributed to its growing popularity among diverse communities.