Boy Names That Start with Y

Choosing the right name for a baby boy can be a tough task with so many options available.

For those looking for a unique touch, names that start with Y can be a great choice.

While not the first letter that comes to mind for many, Y names are diverse and originate from various cultures around the world.

These names often hold intriguing meanings, adding a special layer to the decision.

Consider the following names starting with Y:

Common Boy Names That Start With Y

Yahir

A well-known choice in Spanish-speaking countries, Yahir is a modern name. It originates from the famous Mexican singer Yahir Othón Parra.

Yale

This Welsh name has become trendy as a first name. Yale means “fertile land” and carries a cute, fresh tone.

Yehuda

Yehuda is a modernized version of the Hebrew name Yehudah. Linked to Judah, it means “praise” and is often chosen for its strong cultural roots.

Ye-jun

A popular name in Korea, Ye-jun has several meanings depending on the hanja used. Common interpretations include “art, talent,” “talented,” or “handsome.”

Yeshua

Yeshua is the Hebrew name for Joshua and is closely associated with the Greek name for Jesus, Iesous. It carries profound biblical significance and may be the original name of Jesus.

Yiannis

This Greek variant of John offers a fresh twist. Yiannis means “Yahweh is gracious” and can also be found as Giannis.

Yonah

Yonah, the Hebrew form of Jonah, translates to “dove.” Suitable for both boys and girls, it works as a unisex name.

Yosef

Yosef is the Hebrew form of Joseph. Meaning “he will add,” it shares a close relation to its English counterpart.

Yoshi

A name of Japanese origin, Yoshi can have various meanings. It commonly translates to “good luck,” “righteous,” or “good, virtuous, respectable.”

Yusuf

Pronounced YOO-soof, this name is the Arabic, Turkish, and Indonesian version of Yosef. It also means “he will add” and is widely recognized.

Unique Boy Names That Start With Y

Yaakov

Yaakov is a Hebrew name that originates from Jacob. It signifies “may he protect” or “holder of the heel.”

Yachin

Yachin stands out as a variant spelling of Jachin in Hebrew. The name means “he establishes.”

Yachle’el

Yachle’el is a unique version of the Biblical name Jahleel, which means “God waits.” It has Hebrew origins.

Yachtze’el

Yachtze’el is a variant spelling of the Biblical name Jahzeel. In Hebrew, it means “God will divide.’

Yağmur

Yağmur is a Turkish name meaning “rain.” It’s a beautiful nature-inspired choice for a boy’s name.

Yaxkin

Yaxkin is derived from the name of the seventh month in the Mayan calendar. It combines “Yax,” meaning “green” and “first,” with “k’in,” meaning “sun” and “day,” likely referring to springtime.

Yiorgos

Yiorgos is the Greek name for George, meaning “farmer” or “earth worker.” This name has a strong connection to agriculture and the earth.

Yorick

Yorick is of English origin, derived from the Dutch name Jørg. It gained literary fame in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet.

Yousef

Yousef is the Persian form of Joseph. The name means “he will add” and is rich in cultural significance.

Ywain

Ywain, a name from Arthurian Romance, is a variant of the Welsh name Owain. It connects to Eugene and means “well-born.”

Classic Y Boy Names

Yakau

This rare Belarussian name is a form of James or Jacob. It shares the meaning “may God protect.”

Yakim

A rare Russian name, Yakim comes from Joachim. It means “raised by Yahweh.”

Yakiv

Like Yakau, Yakiv is also a form of James and Jacob. It means “may God protect.” This name is Ukrainian in origin.

Yaniv

Old-fashioned, simple, and sweet, this Hebrew name means “he will prosper.”

Yankel

Yankel is a Yiddish name and a diminutive of Jacob. It shares the meaning “may God protect.”

Yevhen

This is the Ukrainian form of Eugene, a name that means “well-born.”

Yidel

This rare and old-fashioned name is Yiddish and is connected to Judah, meaning “praise.”

York

York is both a place name and an old-fashioned moniker. It refers to a city in northern England and originally meant “yew.”

Youri

Pronounced YOO-ree, this name is the Dutch and French form of Yuriy. It means “farmer, earth worker.”

Yves

Yves is a rare boy name from medieval France. It is a form of Ivo, a German name meaning “yew.” Several saints carried the name Yves or Ives.

Cool Y Names for Boys

Yadon

Yadon has a cool sound. It’s the Hebrew version of Jadon, pronounced like Jayden. This name can mean “thankful” or “he will judge.”

Yafe

Yafe is a unique gender-neutral name. It’s the unisex form of Yaffa, meaning “beautiful.”

Yago

Yago is the Spanish version of James, meaning “may God protect.” In Mexico, it can also be a short form of Santiago, which means “Saint James.”

Yahui

Yahui is a Chinese name pronounced YAH-KHWAY. It combines elements meaning “elegant, refined” and “favor benefit.”

Yahveh

Yahveh offers a cool twist on the name Yahweh, often used for the Hebrew God.

Yash

Yash is a Sanskrit name with a stylish sound. It means “fame, praise, glory.”

Yaw

Yaw is a straightforward name from Western Africa and Akan languages, meaning “born on Thursday.”

Yoel

Yoel is both the Hebrew and Spanish version of Joel, which means “Yahweh is God.”

Yohan

Yohan is a good option for French baby boy names. It’s the French version of Johann.

Yolotl

Yolotl is an Indigenous American name from the Nahuatl language, with the meaning “heart, spirit.”

Hebrew Boy Names That Start With Y

Yamin

Yamin is the Hebrew form of Jamin, meaning “right hand.” In biblical texts, Yamin was one of Simeon’s sons.

Yaron

Yaron, which can also be spelled Jaron, means “to sing, to shout.” It’s a lively and cute Hebrew boy’s name.

Yechezkel

Yechezkel is the Hebrew version of Ezekiel. This name means “God will strengthen.” Ezekiel was a notable prophet in the Old Testament.

Yehudah

Yehudah is the traditional Hebrew form of Judah, meaning “praise.” It’s a name with a rich biblical history.

Yered

Yered is the Hebrew equivalent of Jared, carrying the meaning “descent.” It’s another strong biblical name.

Yitzhak

Yitzhak is a Hebrew form of Isaac, meaning “he will laugh, he will rejoice.” This name has a joyful and sweet connotation.

Yo’ash

Yo’ash, derived from Joash, stands for “fire of Yahweh.” It’s a powerful name that appeared multiple times in the Bible, including a reference to a king of Judah.

Yoav

Yoav is the Hebrew version of Joab, translating to “Yahweh is father.” In the Bible, Joab (Yoav) was a commander of King David’s army.

Yorah

Yorah is the Hebrew form of Jorah and carries the meanings “he teaches” or “rain.” It’s a name that combines wisdom and nature.

Yuval

Yuval is the Hebrew form of Jubal, meaning “stream.” It is another nature-inspired name perfect for those who appreciate the natural world.

Cute Boy Names That Start With Y

Yaffe

This cute Hebrew name is an alternate spelling of Yafe. It’s the masculine form of Yaffa, meaning “beautiful.”

Yağız

Popular in Turkey, this Turkish name means “brown, chestnut,” making it perfect for a brunette baby boy!

Yahya

For an adorable twist on the name John, consider Yahya. It’s the Arabic, Turkish, and Persian form of John, which means “Yahweh is gracious.”

Yair

Sometimes, short names are the cutest. Yair is the Hebrew and Spanish form of Jair and means “he shines.”

Yanni

A Greek name, Yanni is a diminutive of Yiannis, another form of John.

It shares the meaning “Yahweh is gracious.”

Yasen

Possibly one of the cutest names on this list, this Bulgarian name has two meanings: “ash tree” and “clear, serene.”

Yedidya

This name is the modern Hebrew form of the biblical name Jedidiah, which means “beloved of Yahweh.”

Yeong-Ho

This Korean name offers multiple adorable meanings.

Yeong can mean “flower, petal,” “brave, hero,” or “reflect light,” while Ho can mean “great, numerous” or “bright, luminous.”

Ylli

An Albanian name that means “star,” Ylli is perfect for your little shining star!

Yolotzin

An Indigenous American name, Yolotzin means “beloved heart” in Nahuatl, adding to its cuteness.

Short and Long Y Names for Boys

Yamikani

This name from Southern Africa means “be grateful, praise” in the Chewa language.

Yamikani is not only long but also carries a sweet and meaningful message.

Yao

In Western Africa, Yao is a version of the name Yaw in the Ewe language.

Yao has a literal meaning: “born on Thursday.”

Yemelyan

This is a rare Russian form of the Italian name Emiliano, which means “rival” in Latin.

Yemelyan is another option for those looking for a longer name.

Yerachme’el

This Hebrew name is a form of Jerahmeel and means “God will have pity.”

It stands out among other long baby names.

Yima

Yima is a short and unique name from Persian mythology, a form of Jam, which means “twin.”

Yin

Yin is a short Chinese name.

It has various meanings: “silver, money,” “sound, tone,” “shade, shelter,” and “protect.”

Yoni

Yoni is a short nickname for Yonatan, the Hebrew form of Jonathan, which means “Yahweh has given.”

Yuhanna

Yuhanna is the Arabic form of the Greek name Ioannes or John, which means “Yahweh is gracious.”

Yuli

Yuli is a short and cute option.

It is an alternative to Yuliy, a form of Julius, which is connected to the Roman name Jupiter, and eventually relates to Zeus, meaning “father.”

Yvo

Yvo, the Dutch variant of Ivo, comes from a Germanic element meaning “yew.”

It’s common in several European languages.

Powerful Boy Names That Start With Y

Yaroslav

This powerful name comes from Slavic elements, meaning “fierce, energetic” and “glory.”

It carries a sense of strength and honor.

Yam

Unique and strong, Yam comes from Semitic mythology and means “sea,” referring to the Ugaritic god of the sea.

It evokes a sense of nature’s power.

Yaropolk

A rare choice, Yaropolk is of Slavic origin, meaning “fierce, energetic” and “people.”

It’s a name that implies leadership and vitality.

Yiğit

A simple yet powerful name, Yiğit is Turkish and means “brave.”

It’s a straightforward choice for those seeking a name that embodies courage.

Yeray

Yeray is a Spanish name from the Canary Islands, believed to mean “big, grand.”

It’s a strong name that suggests greatness and impressiveness.

Yeruslan

Yeruslan is derived from Russian and Tatar folklore, meaning “lion.”

It was the name of a legendary hero in stories based on Persian fairy tales, making it a great choice for those who love mythology.

Yōta

In Japanese, Yōta combines “light, sun” with “big, great.”

This interpretation crafts a strong boys’ name that implies brightness and greatness. It’s pronounced YO-ta.

Yıldırım

Another powerful Turkish name, Yıldırım means “lightning.”

It’s a striking name that conveys a sense of speed and power.

Yong

Yong is used in both Chinese and Korean cultures.

In Chinese, it means “brave” or “perpetual, eternal,” and in Korean, it can also mean “brave.”

It’s a versatile name with a powerful meaning.

Yngvi

In Norse Mythology, Yngvi is an alternate name for the god Freyr, who was associated with the Swedish royal family.

This name is an excellent choice for those looking for something with regal and mythological ties.

Even More Boy Names That Start With Y

Yakub

A strong and traditional name, Yakub is a variant of Jacob.

Yamanu

Yamanu carries a sense of mystery and uniqueness.

Yannig

This name is a Breton form of Yann, meaning “God is gracious.”

Yaqoob

Yaqoob is an Arabic version of Jacob, often associated with strength.

Yarav’am

An ancient name with biblical roots, Yarav’am means “the people will contend.”

Yasin

Popular in many cultures, Yasin is often given for its religious significance.

Yauhen

A Belarusian name that stands out for its distinct sound and meaning.

Yavuz

This Turkish name translates to “stern” or “resolute.”

Yawan

Yawan has ancient roots and is associated with history and culture.

Yefet

A name of Hebrew origin, Yefet means “enlargement” or “expansion.”

Yefim

Yefim is a Russian name meaning “pious” or “devout.”

Yefrem

A variant of Ephraim, Yefrem is a name rich with tradition.

Yegor

Yegor is a traditional Russian name derived from the Greek word for “farmer.”

Yehiel

Meaning “may God live,” Yehiel is a name with strong biblical connections.

Yevdokim

This name signifies the qualities of goodness and virtue.

Yevgeny

Yevgeny means “noble” or “well-born” and is popular in Russia.

Yevgraf

A name that means “good writer” or “well-written.”

Yevlogiy

Yevlogiy stands for “blessing” or “blessed.”

Yiftach

Of Hebrew origin, Yiftach means “he opens.”

Yılmaz

A common Turkish name meaning “unshakable” or “resolute.”

Yirmiyahu

Yirmiyahu, a Hebrew name, translates to “God will uplift.”

Yishai

Often associated with being gift-given, Yishai is a name with biblical roots.

Yisroel

A traditional Jewish name, Yisroel means Israel.

Yissakhar

With Hebrew origins, Yissakhar means “reward.”

Yitro

Yitro is another name linked to biblical stories, meaning “his excellence.”

Yngvarr

A name with Scandinavian roots, meaning “warrior.”

Yngve

This Norse name is associated with the god of fertility.

Yo’ach

A rare name meaning “the Lord is my brother.”

Yoram

A name associated with royalty, meaning “the Lord is exalted.”

Yorath

Yorath is a Welsh name, often connected to the sea.

Yordan

A name meaning “flowing down,” linked to the Jordan River.

Yoshiro

A name of Japanese origin meaning “good son.”

Yosuke

Another Japanese name meaning “chivalrous helper.”

Yosyp

A variant of Joseph, this name signifies “he will add.”

Young

A simple and classic name often associated with youth.

Young-Soo

A Korean name meaning “eternal life.”

Younus

An Arabic name associated with the prophet Jonah.

Youssef

A variant of Joseph, meaning “God increases.”

Yousuke

Similar to Yosuke, this name means “courageous helper.”

Youta

A Japanese name that translates to “swift.”

Yrjänä

A unique Finnish name.

Yrjö

The Finnish version of George, meaning “farmer.”

Ysbrand

A Dutch name that signifies a strong, fiery sword.

Yuda

A variant of Judah, meaning “praised.”

Yunus

An Arabic name meaning “dove.”

Yura

A name common in Eastern Europe, often a variant of George.

Yuraq

An indigenous name from South America, meaning “white.”

Yury

A Slavic form of George, meaning “farmer.”

Yusha

A unique name meaning “God is salvation.”

Yvon

A French name meaning “yew.”