Names That Start with Y

Y names often come from languages other than English. Hebrew names that English usually writes with J keep their original y here. Yosef is the Hebrew form of a familiar biblical name, Yehuda is the name of one of the tribes of Israel, and Yael is a heroine from the Book of Judges. Choosing one of these spellings connects a child more closely to the Hebrew original.

Arabic supplies another group. Yusuf and Yousef are two spellings of the same name, and they honor a prophet in the Quran. Yasmin and Yazmin come from the Persian word for the jasmine flower, and they are used in many languages. Yara is a soft, short name that sits comfortably beside many surnames.

Many Y names here are used mainly in Spanish-speaking families, especially in Mexico and the US. Yaretzi, Yareli, Yamileth, Yesenia, Yaritza and Yoselin are all girls' names with a lyrical sound, and Yahir is a boys' name. When you choose a Y name, consider how people unfamiliar with it might pronounce it. Most are said the way they look, but names like Yaretzi or Yamileth may need a little introduction. Shorter options like Yara and Yael are simple to spell and say.