Youthful Y Names
By DoctorWoo
Updated Mon May 22 2023
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- Yara
Origin:
Arabic, Persian, Brazilian, HebrewMeaning:
"friend, helper; strength; water nymph; honeycomb"Description:
The multicultural Yara is a sweet but substantial choice that could make a more unusual take on Sara and also work in multiple languages Popular in Portugal, The Netherlands, and Switzerland, familiar in the UK and France, it entered the US Top 1000 in 2017 and has been climbing the charts ever since.
- Yves
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"yew wood"Description:
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 and clear up the issue.
- Yuna
Origin:
Japanese, Breton, Korean, Chinese, DutchMeaning:
"superiority, gentleness, or citrus fruit; lamb; willow, abundant, child, happy + to reach, to hold; jade + elegant, beautiful; June"Description:
An attractive, widely appealing, multicultural option, Yuna has its roots in Japanese, Breton, Korean, Chinese. KPOP singer Yuna may be attracting some attention to her name, as might influencer Yunabugs who shares her life with her eight dachshunds on Instagram. Also used in the game franchise Final Fantasy, it is a popular choice in France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
- 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.
- Yarrow
Origin:
Botanical name, EnglishMeaning:
"rough stream"Description:
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.
- Yinuo
Origin:
ChineseMeaning:
"Promise"Description:
Yinuo is a Chinese female name meaning "promise." It is part of an idiomatic expression "Yinuo Qianjin" (一诺千金), which means "one promise; one thousand gold" or "keep your word." This Chinese name has the advantage of being relatively easy to pronounce for non-Chinese speakers. People called Yinuo include Yinuo Mu, principle harpist in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Yinuo Chen, a Chinese actress who starred in Empresses in the Palace.
- Yelena
Origin:
Russian variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining one"Description:
One of many international versions of this classic.
- Yvan
Description:
Yvan is a masculine name primarily used in French-speaking regions and Eastern Europe, serving as a variant of Ivan, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' The name has deep historical roots across Europe, with Ivan being the Slavic equivalent of John. Yvan offers a distinctive spelling that maintains the traditional pronunciation while giving the name a more unique written appearance. Popular in Quebec, France, Russia, and other Slavic countries, Yvan carries a cosmopolitan appeal that crosses cultural boundaries. The name projects strength and dignity while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce. Less common than Ivan or Jean in most regions, Yvan provides a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with international resonance and historical depth.
- 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).
- Yannick
Origin:
BretonMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
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 it peaked at #31 in 1973-4. It remains well within the Top 500 in France to this day, and has also seen regular use in Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Quebec.
- Ysabel
Origin:
Spanish variation of Isabel, variation of Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Ysabel is the original spelling of this ever-more-popular name, though to English-speakers, the initial Y may confuse pronunciation. Only 14 baby girls were given the Ysabel spelling in the US last year, while Isabel and Isabelle were each given to about 1800 babies.
- Ynez
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"pure, virginal"Description:
Y is a very rare initial, and this feisty mini-name packs a double punch with its spiky final Z. Inez or Inez are the more familiar spellings of this chic name, which is related to Agnes and could be an interesting way to honor a relative with that name.
- Yorick
Origin:
English literary nameDescription:
Alas, poor Yorick, your name is fated to remain locked forever as a skull in Hamlet.
- Yardley
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"wood clearing"Description:
Yardley is an English surname with a distinguished vibe, a la Chauncey and Clancy. Extremely rare for either sex, it would make a stand-out choice that still fits in with current trends.
- 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.
- Yseult
Origin:
French variation of Iseult, CelticMeaning:
"fair, light-skinned"Description:
Variation of Isolde, the name of a great Celtic heroine. The mononymous French singer Yseult is the most notable bearer today.
- Yann
Origin:
French/Breton variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
This might be a better choice than the similarly pronounced Jan, to avoid gender confusion.
- Yoel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah is his God"Description:
The Hebrew version of Joel has a pleasant, almost jolly sound.
- Young
Description:
Young is a masculine name that originated as a surname in English, derived from the Old English word 'geong,' meaning 'young' or 'youthful.' As a given name, it has been most commonly used in East Asian cultures, particularly in Korea, where it's pronounced differently than in English. In Korean usage, Young (or Yeong) can have various meanings depending on the Chinese characters used to write it, including 'brave,' 'flourishing,' or 'eternal.' The name is straightforward, simple, and carries positive connotations of youth and vitality. While uncommon as a first name in Western countries, its simplicity and positive meaning make it an accessible cross-cultural option.