Boys Names Beginning With Y

A common unisex name in Israel, more properly written as Ya'el, Yael rose more than 200 places in 2023 to become one of the fastest-rising boys' names of the year in the US.

An appellation that couldn't be more Ivy League or sound less Welsh. The name of the University is taken from the surname of college benefactor Elihu Yale. In the movie Manhattan, Yale Pollack is the name of Woody Allen's best friend. The Hebrew Yael is not related.

Highly unusual as a baby name for either gender, Yarrow is an herb that grows wild and has long been used for its medicinal property. It's named for the mythical Achilles, who was said to carry yarrow into battle.

Yishai is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, representing the original form of what became 'Jesse' in English translations. In the Bible, Yishai was the father of King David, giving the name significant historical and religious importance, particularly in Jewish traditions. The name derives from Hebrew elements meaning 'gift' or possibly 'God exists.' Yishai has remained consistently used in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide, though it's less common in broader Western contexts. In recent decades, as parents increasingly embrace names with cultural significance and biblical roots, Yishai has gained modest recognition beyond Jewish families. The name carries connotations of spiritual heritage, fatherly importance, and divine blessing.