Youthful Y Names

This might be a better choice than the similarly pronounced Jan, to avoid gender confusion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of many international versions of this classic.

Too close to yenta.

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.

Yitta is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, commonly found in Jewish communities. It likely developed as a diminutive form of names like Henrietta or could be related to the Hebrew name Yehudit (Judith), meaning 'woman from Judea' or 'praised.' Yitta carries a strong cultural connection to Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and traditions. While relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, it has maintained consistent use within certain Jewish communities. The name has a distinctive, warm quality with its compact form and soft ending. Yitta offers cultural richness and historical depth while remaining unique, making it particularly meaningful for families looking to honor their Jewish ancestry.

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.

The Hebrew version of Joel has a pleasant, almost jolly sound.

Yordana is a feminine name with Slavic origins, functioning as the female counterpart to Jordan. While Jordan derives from the Hebrew name for the Jordan River, Yordana represents the Eastern European adaptation with its characteristic 'Y' beginning. The name carries a sense of strength and natural beauty, referencing flowing water. Yordana has particular usage in Bulgarian, Macedonian, and other Balkan cultures, though remains relatively uncommon globally. The name combines traditional roots with a distinctive sound that works well cross-culturally. Yordana offers potential nicknames like Dani or Yana, providing versatility between formal and casual settings. Its uniqueness appeals to parents seeking a name with both cultural depth and contemporary appeal.

Alas, poor Yorick, your name is fated to remain locked forever as a skull in Hamlet.

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.

Ysabel is the original spelling of this ever-more-popular name, though to English-speakers, the initial Y may confuse pronunciation.

Variation of Isolde, the name of a great Celtic heroine. The mononymous French singer Yseult is the most notable bearer today.

Yudith is a feminine name that represents a variation of Judith, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'woman from Judea' or 'praised.' This distinctive spelling incorporates the 'Y' beginning common in Spanish and some Latin American naming traditions. The biblical Judith is known for her heroism in the deuterocanonical Book of Judith, where she saves her people by slaying the Assyrian general Holofernes. While less common than the traditional Judith spelling, Yudith maintains the same powerful heritage while offering a unique orthographic twist. The name has seen modest usage in Spanish-speaking countries and communities. Yudith carries connotations of bravery, wisdom, and religious significance, making it appealing to families seeking a name with historical depth and distinctive spelling.

An appealing Asian name with a nickname feel.