Choosing a baby name is one of the most heartfelt and personal decisions new parents make. While some gravitate toward timeless classics, others seek something less common—yet meaningful and stylish. If you’re in the latter group, baby names that start with the letter Y offer a unique and charming array of options.
Though relatively rare in the United States, Y names have distinctive sounds, multicultural influences, and versatile appeal. In this guide, we highlight 50 American baby names beginning with Y, equally divided between boys, girls, and a few gender-neutral choices.
20 American Baby Boy Names That Start with Y
1. Yahir
Origin: Hebrew/Arabic
Meaning: “He will enlighten”
Popular among Latino communities, Yahir is gentle yet spiritual.
2. Yosef
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “God will increase”
A traditional variation of Joseph, Yosef maintains deep biblical roots.
3. Yarden
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “To flow down”
Yarden is a modern alternative to Jordan, often connected to the biblical river.
4. Yuri
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: “Farmer” or “Earthworker”
Yuri is short, strong, and international.
5. Yandel
Origin: Modern American
Meaning: Possibly invented name
Popularized by music artists, Yandel feels modern and edgy.
6. Yannick
Origin: French
Meaning: “God is gracious”
Yannick is sophisticated and cosmopolitan with strong roots.
7. Yasir
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “Easy-going” or “wealthy”
Yasir is a peaceful and positive name full of warmth.
8. Yousef
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Variant of Yosef, “God will add”
A cross-cultural name that blends faith and tradition.
9. Yitzhak
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “He will laugh”
The original form of Isaac, Yitzhak carries strong religious and historical weight.
10. Yale
Origin: English/Welsh
Meaning: “Fertile upland”
Short, simple, and prestigious—also tied to the Ivy League university.
11. Yamir
Origin: Sanskrit/Hebrew
Meaning: “Moon” or “to sing”
Yamir is soft, lyrical, and full of cultural resonance.
12. Yardeniel
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “God will descend”
A rare and spiritual variation of Yarden.
13. Yehuda
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Praise”
A traditional Jewish name that blends history and faith.
14. Yann
Origin: Breton (French Celtic)
Meaning: “God is gracious”
Simple, elegant, and suitable as a middle name too.
15. Yitzchak
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: A variation of Isaac
Classic and spiritual, ideal for those honoring ancestry.
16. Yazan
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Possibly derived from an ancient Yemeni tribe
Yazan is bold and culturally meaningful.
17. Yuki
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: “Happiness” or “snow”
Though often used for girls in Japan, it has cross-gender charm.
18. Yates
Origin: English
Meaning: “Gatekeeper”
A unique surname-turned-first-name with Southern charm.
19. Yovanni
Origin: American/Italian blend
Meaning: Variant of Giovanni, “God is gracious”
Yovanni feels rhythmic and powerful.
20. Yannis
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Variant of John, “God is gracious”
Popular in Greece, and increasingly used in the U.S.
20 American Baby Girl Names That Start with Y
1. Yara
Origin: Arabic/Brazilian
Meaning: “Small butterfly” or “water lady”
Yara is sweet, nature-inspired, and growing in popularity.
2. Yasmine
Origin: Persian
Meaning: “Jasmine flower”
Yasmine is floral, elegant, and globally recognized.
3. Yolanda
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “Violet flower”
A classic name making a gentle comeback in the U.S.
4. Yamileth
Origin: Arabic/Spanish
Meaning: “Beautiful”
This stylish name blends beauty and femininity.
5. Yesenia
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Derived from a type of tree
Popular in Latin America and poetic in sound.
6. Yelena
Origin: Russian
Meaning: “Shining light”
A soft and elegant alternative to Elena.
7. Yasmina
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “Jasmine flower”
Lush and fragrant, Yasmina is perfect for lovers of floral names.
8. Yakira
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Precious”
Yakira feels sacred and meaningful with a delicate sound.
9. Yulia
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Slavic version of Julia
Elegant and noble, with Eastern European charm.
10. Yanet
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Variation of Janet
Yanet is both familiar and culturally vibrant.
11. Yocheved
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “God’s glory”
A meaningful and traditional biblical name.
12. Yuna
Origin: Korean
Meaning: “Kindness” or “gentle”
Simple, modern, and globally trending.
13. Yovana
Origin: Slavic/Sanskrit
Meaning: Variant of Yvonne or feminine form of Yovanni
Melodic and unique.
14. Yamila
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: “Beautiful”
Exotic and soft, Yamila has graceful phonetics.
15. Yessica
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Variant of Jessica
Unique twist on a well-loved name.
16. Yulianna
Origin: Slavic/Latin
Meaning: Variant of Juliana
Elegant, long, and regal.
17. Yaira
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “He will enlighten”
Spiritual and lovely, with a gentle rhythm.
18. Yemina
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Right hand” or “fortunate”
A graceful name with strong spiritual meaning.
19. Yessenia
Origin: Arabic/Spanish
Meaning: Variant of Yesenia
Soft and stylish, perfect for modern parents.
20. Yachna
Origin: Indian/Hebrew
Meaning: “Prayer” or “request”
Rare and spiritual, ideal for faith-based families.
10 Gender-Neutral or Modern American Y Names
1. Yael
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Mountain goat”
Used for both boys and girls, especially in Jewish communities.
2. Yule
Origin: English
Meaning: “Winter solstice”
Seasonal and mystical, perfect for December babies.
3. Yani
Origin: African/Greek
Meaning: “Peace” or “God is gracious”
Short and peaceful, Yani works beautifully for any gender.
4. Yarden
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “To descend” or “flowing down”
A nature-rich, unisex option with biblical ties.
5. Yuki
Origin: Japanese
Meaning: “Snow” or “happiness”
Yuki is adorable and equally fitting for boys and girls.
6. Yuri
Origin: Slavic/Japanese
Meaning: “Light of God” or “lily”
International and adaptable, Yuri fits all genders.
7. Yancy
Origin: Native American/English
Meaning: “Englishman” or “Yankee”
Rare and catchy with Americana roots.
8. Yaz
Origin: Modern short form
Meaning: Nickname of Yasmine or Yazid
A cool, trendy nickname-style name.
9. Yaelin
Origin: Invented
Meaning: Blend of Yael and Lynn
Modern and soft, ideal for boys or girls.
10. Yanni
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Variant of John
Famous through the musician, Yanni is melodic and sweet.
Final Thoughts
Names starting with the letter Y are full of creativity, diversity, and charm. Whether you’re looking for something deeply spiritual, culturally rich, or simply unique, these 50 American baby names starting with Y offer beautiful options for boys, girls, and beyond.
As naming trends evolve, Y names continue to rise in popularity due to their originality and versatility. From timeless choices like Yosef and Yara to contemporary picks like Yandel and Yuna, you’re sure to find a name that resonates with your heart.
