Girl Names That Start with Y

The letter Y carries a unique charm. Whether you’re guided by family traditions or simply prefer the sound, you may be looking for baby girl names beginning with Y. Here, you’ll find a selection of girl names starting with Y from various cultures and languages, each with its own special meaning.

Unique Girl Names That Start With Y

Yaiza

Yaiza is a Spanish name stemming from a town in the Canary Islands. It gained popularity through Alberto Vázquez-Figueroa’s Ocean trilogy. This could be an appealing name if you have ties to this region or the author’s work.

Yang

Yang is a Chinese name meaning “ocean” when used for girls. For boys, it signifies “light,” “male,” or “sun.” It provides a serene and nature-inspired option.

Yanick

Yanick is a diminutive of Yanna, the Breton feminine form of Yann (John) found in northwestern France. It’s a charming choice, particularly for those with Breton heritage.

Yanina

Yanina is the diminutive of Yana in Ukraine and Russia. Yana is a Slavic feminine form of Ioannes (John). It’s a lovely choice for those looking for a name with Eastern European connections.

Yanna

Yanna is used in Greece as the form of Gianna and in Brittany as the feminine form of Yann. It is a versatile name that bridges cultures.

Yelena

Yelena is the Russian form of Helen and offers a unique alternative. This name might be perfect for those wanting a blend of the classic and the distinct.

Yente

Yente is a rare Yiddish name derived from the French word gentille, meaning “noble” or “aristocratic.” Known from the musical Fiddler on the Roof, where a matchmaker character brought additional meanings.

Yesfir

Yesfir is the Russian take on the biblical name Esther. This name blends tradition and a unique twist from Russian culture.

Yevdokiya

Yevdokiya is the Ukrainian and Russian form of Eudocia, derived from the Greek word eudokeo, meaning “to be well pleased” or “satisfied.” It carries an old-world charm and robustness.

Yevpraksiya

Yevpraksiya is a rare Russian name from the Greek Eupraxia, meaning “good conduct.” It harks back to historical figures like the daughter of Vsevolod I and offers a sophisticated feel, especially for those with Slavic roots.

Hebrew and Biblical Girl Names That Start With Y

Yael

This name means “ibex” or “mountain goat” in Hebrew. It is the form of the name Jael, a name that appears in the Old Testament and was attributed to the wife of Heber the Kenite.

Yedidah

Yedidah comes from the Hebrew word yadid, which translates to “beloved” or “friend.” Yedidah, or Jedidah in alternative transliteration, was the wife of King Amon of Judah in the Old Testament.

Yehosheva

The Hebrew name Yehosheva means “Yahweh is an oath.” This name is used in the Old Testament for the daughter of King Jehoram of Judah. In other translations, she is also known as Jehosheba.

Yehudit

Yehudit is the Hebrew form of the name Judith, meaning “Jewish woman.” She is the main character in the apocryphal Book of Judith.

Yemima

Yemima translates to “dove” in Hebrew. It is the Hebrew form of Jemima, one of the three daughters of Job in the Old Testament.

Yerushah

The Hebrew name Yerushah comes from the word yarash, meaning “possession.” This name was used for the wife of King Uzziah of Judah in the Old Testament.

Yiskah

Yiskah means “to behold” in Hebrew and is sometimes spelled Iscah. This name is given to Abraham’s niece and may even be the origin of the name Jessica.

Yocheved

This name means “Yahweh is glory” and is more commonly spelled Jochebed. It is used as the name of the mother of Miriam, Aaron, and Moses in the Old Testament.

Yachin

Yachin means “he establishes” in Hebrew. Although this name refers to a male character in the Old Testament, this form is used for both men and women.

Yonah

Yonah is the Hebrew form of the boy’s name Jonah. However, it is a unisex name in modern Hebrew.

Cool Y Names For Girls

Yamuna

Yamuna is the name of a sacred river in India that flows into the Ganges. The point where these rivers meet hosts the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious festivals in the world. The river’s name likely comes from the Hindu goddess Yami.

Yana

Yana is the Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and Russian form of Jana, which originated from John. This name is used in many Slavic countries and carries a timeless appeal.

Yaroslava

Yaroslava is popular in Ukraine and Russia. It comes from Slavic roots, yaru meaning “fierce” or “energetic,” and slava meaning “glory.” This name embodies strength and honor.

Yolanda

This name comes from medieval French origins, possibly from the Latin for “violet.” Another theory is that it might be Germanic. It became popular among royals and nobles in the Middle Ages. Today, it’s associated with model Yolanda Hadid, the mother of Gigi and Bella Hadid.

Yauheniya

Yauheniya is the Belarusian form of Eugenia, a saint from the third century who disguised herself as a man to escape persecution. The name carries a deep historical significance.

Yvonne

Yvonne is the French feminine form of Yvon, deriving from a medieval diminutive of Yves. Its origins lie in a Germanic word meaning “yew.” It’s a name with both elegance and strength.

Yentl

This Yiddish name is a diminutive of Yente. It gained fame through the play by Leah Napolin and Isaac Bashevis Singer, which later became a musical film starring Barbra Streisand. Though rare, it has a remarkable cultural presence.

Yesenia

Yesenia is a Latin American name derived from Jessenia, a genus of palm trees found in South America. It gained popularity through a 1970s Mexican telenovela and its film adaptation. The name is vibrant and exotic.

Yevfrosiniya

The Russian form of Euphrosyne, this name means “mirth” or “merriment” in Greek. Euphrosyne was one of the three Graces in Greek mythology. This name carries a sense of joy and grace.

Yoko

Yoko is a Japanese name that can mean “light,” “sun,” or “ocean” and “child.” It gained worldwide recognition through Yoko Ono, Japanese artist and wife of John Lennon. The name is simple yet profound.

International Y Girl Names

Yadira

Yadira is mainly found in Latin America and Hispanic communities in the United States. The name is believed to have Arabic origins, though its meaning remains unclear. It gained popularity in Mexico in the 1940s, possibly due to Colombian actress Yadira Jiménez, who starred in Mexican films since 1946.

Yaeko

Yaeko is a Japanese name that means “multilayered” and “child.” It can also be formed using other Kanji characters, which could give it different meanings.

Yahui

This Chinese name is gender-neutral and made up of the elements yă, meaning “elegant,” “refined,” or “graceful,” and huì, which means “favor” or “benefit.”

Yekaterina

Yekaterina is the Russian spelling of the name Katherine, offering a unique and international twist on a classic name.

Yelysaveta

The name Yelysaveta is the traditional Ukrainian form of Elizabeth, providing a lovely option for those with Ukrainian connections.

Yeong

Used in Korea for both boys and girls, Yeong comes from the Sino-Korean word yeong, meaning “flower,” “brave,” “petal,” or “hero.” It can stand alone or be combined with another character for a different name.

Yewubdar

An Ethiopian name, Yewubdar means “beautiful beyond limits” in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia. This could be a meaningful choice for families with East African roots.

Yewande

Yewande is a girls’ name in West Africa, meaning “mother has returned” in the Yoruba language.

Yawen

Yawen is a Chinese name combining the characters yă, meaning “elegant,” “refined,” or “graceful,” and wén, which means “cloud” or “patterns.”

Yamila

Yamila is a form of the Arabic girls’ name Jamila, rooted in the Arabic word for “beautiful.” Despite its Arabic origin, it’s quite popular in Latin America.

Cute Girl Names That Start With Y

Yanka

Yanka is the Bulgarian feminine form of Yoan (John). It has a charming sound and is an interesting option for a girl’s name.

Yenny

Yenny offers a unique twist on the traditional name Jenny. Commonly used in Latin America, it’s a cute and alternative spelling of the name.

Yi

Yi is a versatile name with various meanings depending on the characters used. Commonly it means “joy” or “harmony” when used for girls. Easy to pronounce and sweet.

Yolotl

Yolotl translates to “heart” in Nahuatl. This language was spoken by the Aztecs and is still used by some people in Mexico today.

It’s a heartfelt and distinct name.

Yoshi

Yoshi means “good luck” in Japanese. It can also mean “righteous” or “good.”

The name carries positive vibes and sounds adorable.

Yvette

Yvette comes from the French feminine form of Yves and means “yew” in old Germanic.

It has an elegant and sweet tone to it.

Yu-Mi

Yu-Mi is a beautiful Korean name. It combines the Sino-Korean words yu, meaning “have” or “possess,” and mi, meaning “beautiful.”

Yutke

Yutke is a Yiddish nickname for Judith.

It sounds sweet and has a gentle, diminutive feel.

Yancy

Yancy has Dutch roots as the surname Jansen, meaning “Jan’s son.”

Nowadays, it’s used for both boys and girls and has a unique touch.

Yaretzi

Yaretzi is a lovely Latin American name derived from Yaritza, which blends the name Yara with the suffix from Maritza.

It stands out for its prettiness and modern appeal.

More Cute Girl Names That Start With Y

Yaren

Yaren is a soft and unique name. It has a gentle sound that is pleasing to the ear.

Yasu

Yasu is short and sweet. It is simple yet carries a sense of grace.

Yejide

Yejide has a melodic quality. It feels both rhythmic and strong.

Yijun

Yijun is both elegant and modern. It offers a blend of tradition and freshness.

Yıldız

Yıldız is a name that sparkles. It has a star-like quality that shines brightly.

Ylva

Ylva stands out with its distinctive sound. It has a touch of mystery and charm.

Yuzuki

Yuzuki is both lovely and serene. It brings a sense of calm and beauty.

Yeong-Hui

Yeong-Hui has a sophisticated air. It is both refined and meaningful.

Yllka

Yllka is unique and captivating. It has an exotic feel and is quite memorable.

Yonca

Yonca is fresh and vibrant. It has a playful yet strong presence.