Neutral names starting with Y

An alphabetical list of neutral names starting with Y, continued from the names page (see for more information). These are neutral-gender names, otherwise known as unisex names. They are equally appropriate for girls, boys, and people of any gender. Nonbinary people don't have to have neutral names, and many notable nonbinary people have names that are usually either masculine or feminine. Neutral names can help make it safer for people to explore their gender expressions. There are many unisex names from around the world that start with Y, more than 60 of them, as listed below. Previous page: neutral names starting with X. Next page: neutral names starting with Z.
== The list ==
Yachin (יָכִין). Hebrew. Form of the ancient Hebrew masculine name Jachin (יָכִין), meaning "He establishes." In the Bible, Jachin was the name of a son of Simeon and founder of the family of the Jachinites (Genesis 46:10; Exodus 6:15; Numbers 26:12). This was also the name of a priest in the time of David (1 Chronicles 9:10; 24:17; Nehemiah 11:10). The two pillars standing outside Solomon's Temple were named Jachin and Boaz (בֹּעַז which was also a masculine given name, meaning "swiftness") (1 Kings 7:21; 2 Chronicles 3:17). Variants: Iachin (Biblical Latin; Ιαχιν, Biblical Greek transcription)https://www.behindthename.com/name/yachin Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/jachin Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/boaz Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: Biblical, masculine inclined, religious, two syllables
Yachiru (やちる). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 弥智琉. Meaning "Progress," "Smart," "Jewelry." 2. 八千流. "Eight," "thousand," "flow." 3. 八千琉. "Eight," "thousand," "jewelry."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yachiru-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: number, three syllables, prosperity, treasure
Yachiyo (やちよ). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 弥千代. Meaning "Progress," "thousand," "generation." 2. 八千代. "Eight," "thousand," "generation." 3. 矢知夜. "Arrow," "knowlege," "night." 4. 矢知世. "Arrow," "knowledge," "world."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yachiyo-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: intelligence, number, three syllables
Yae (やえ). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 陽笑. Meaning "Sun," "laugh." 2. 弥慧. "Progress," "clever." 3. 夜永. "Night," "forever." 4. 冶江. "Melt," "river." 5. 八咲. "Eight," "blossom."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yae-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: time, two syllables
Yaei (やえい). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow. 1. 八重依. Meaning "Eight," "weight," "depending."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yaei-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: number, three syllables
Yafe (יָפֶה). Hebrew. Neutral-gender form of the feminine name Yaffa, meaning "Beautiful." Variants: Jaffe (neutral-gender) and Yaffe (neutral-gender)https://www.behindthename.com/name/yafa Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/yafe Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/yaffa Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/yaffe Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: appearance, beauty, two syllables, virtue
Yafumi (やふみ). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 耶風光. Meaning "Father," "wind," "laugh."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yafumi-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023
Yağmur. Turkish. Meaning "Rain." Pronounced "ya-MOOR."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yag21mur Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: elements, nature, two syllables, water, weather
Yahiro (やひろ). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 耶尋. Meaning "Father," and "ask." 2. 弥寛. "Progress," "broad-minded."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yahiro-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: family, intelligence, personality, three syllables
Yǎhuì (雅惠). Chinese. Meaning "Elegant, graceful, refined" and "Favor, benefit," if written with these characters. Other meanings can be chosen by writing it with other characters with the same sounds.https://www.behindthename.com/name/yahui Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: two syllables
Yaito (やいと). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 矢糸. Meaning "Arrow," "yarn." 2. 弥絃. "Progress," "stringing."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yaito-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: three syllables
Yakumo (やくも). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 夜雲. Meaning "Night," "cloud." 2. 八雲. "Eight," "cloud."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yakumo-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: three syllables
Yale. English. From the place name, meaning "From the fertile upland." Also the word for a mythological antelope, and a prestigious school.https://www.babynames.com/name/yale Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: education, mythology, one syllable, places
Yamato (やまと). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 大和. Meaning "Big," and "Peace, harmony."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yamato-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: peace, size, three syllables
Yami (やみ). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 矢見. Meaning "Arrow," and "to see." 2. 夜美. "Night," "beauty." 3. 弥実. "Progress," "Fruit, kindness."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yami-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023
Yamikani. Southern African, Chewa. Meaning "Be grateful, praise."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yamikani Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: gratitude, four syllables, virtue
Yàn. Chinese. Meaning depends on the characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow. 1. 艳. Meaning "Beautiful." Usually a feminine spelling only. 2. 岩. Meaning "Cliff, rocks." A gender-neutral spelling.https://www.behindthename.com/name/yan-2 Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: beauty, earth, places, stone
Yanagi (やなぎ). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 楊. Meaning "Willow." 2. 柳木. "Willow," and "Wood." 3. 八柳. "Eight," "Willow."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yanagi-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: nature, plants, three syllables
Yancy. American, English. Circa 1880, from the American surname Yancy, from the Dutch surname Jansen, meaning "Jan's son." Jan itself is a form of the name John, ultimately from the Hebrew name Yochanan (יוֹחָנָן), meaning "God is gracious."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yancy Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/jan-1 Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/john Archived on 17 July 2023 In the USA, 84% of people with this name are boys.https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/Y/YA/YANCY/index.html Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: Christian, masculine inclined, modern, two syllables
Yank, or Yankee. American, English. From Civil War era slang, meaning "US Northerner," itself thought to come from the Dutch word "Engles," meaning English settlers in New England.https://www.babynames.com/name/yank Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.babynames.com/name/yankee Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: modern, one syllable, two syllables, places, political
Yáng. Chinese. Meaning depends on the characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow. 1. 洋. Meaning "Ocean." A gender-neutral spelling. 2. 阳. Meaning "Light, sun, male." A masculine spelling.https://www.behindthename.com/name/yang Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: nature, one syllable, places, water
Yanick, Yannic, Yannick, or Yannig. Breton, French. Neutral pet form of the names Yann or Yanna, which are Breton forms of the name John, ultimately from the Hebrew name Yochanan (יוֹחָנָן), meaning "God is gracious." Yanick is pronounced "ya-neek."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yanick Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/yannic Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/yannick Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/yannig Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/john Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: Christian, two syllables
Yantse. Native American, Tewa tribe. Meaning "Yellow willow."https://www.babynames.com/name/yantse Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: colours, nature, plants
Yao (やお). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 夜桜. Meaning "Night" and "cherry blossoms." 2. 埜央. "Central," "field." 3. 八緒. "Eight," "cord." 4. 弥旺. "Progress," "shining light."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yao-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023
Yaotl. Native American, Nahuatl (Aztec). Meaning "Warrior."https://www.babynames.com/name/yaotl Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: battle, warrior, power
Yarden (יַרְדֵן). Hebrew. Another Romanized spelling of the Hebrew neutral name Jordan (יַרְדֵן), meaning "To descend, flow down," and the name of the river where Jesus Christ was baptized (Matthew 3:13). Christians adopted Jordan and its variants as given names, as a reference to baptism.https://www.behindthename.com/name/yarden Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/jordan Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: Christian, elements, liminal spaces, religious, two syllables, water
Yardley. English. From the place name, meaning "From the wood where spars were got."https://www.babynames.com/name/yardley Archived on 17 July 2023 In the USA, 51% of people with this name have been boys.https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/Y/YA/YARDLEY/index.html Keywords: nature, neutral inclined, places, plants
Yaroslava (Ярослава). Russian, Ukrainian, and Medieval Slavic. A neutral form of the name Jarosław, meaning "Fierce and glorious." Pronounced "yi-ru-SLA-va."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yaroslava Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/jarosl16aw Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: battle, four syllables, strength, warrior
Yasa (やさ). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 椰紗. Meaning "Palm" and "gauze."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yasa-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023
Yasaka (やさか). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 優香. Meaning "Superiority" and "incense." 2. 優華. "Superiority," "flower."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yasaka-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023
Yasu. Japanese. Meaning depends on kanji chosen to write it, some options for which follow. 1. 安. Meaning "Peace, quiet." 2. 康. Meaning "Peaceful." 3. 坦. Meaning "Flat, smooth, level."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yasu Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: peace, two syllables
Yates. English. From the surname, meaning "Dweller by the gates."https://www.babynames.com/name/yates Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: liminal spaces, one syllable, places
Yǎtíng (雅婷). Chinese. Meaning "Elegant, graceful, refined," and "Pretty, graceful," if written with the characters shown here.https://www.behindthename.com/name/yating Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: beauty, two syllables
Yaxha. Native American, Mayan. From the name of an archaeological site in Guatemala, meaning "Green water."https://www.babynames.com/name/yaxha Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: colours, places, water
Yayauhqui. Native American, Nahuatl. Meaning "Black smoking mirror."http://www.20000-names.com/androgynous_names_unisex_names_05.htm Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: colours
Yǎzhù (雅筑). Chinese. Meaning "Elegant, graceful, refined," and "Lute, zither, build," if written with the characters shown here.https://www.behindthename.com/name/yazhu Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: arts, beauty, music, two syllables
Yeardleigh, Yeardley. English. From the place name Yardly, meaning "From the wood where spars were got."https://www.babynames.com/name/yardley Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.babynames.com/name/yeardleigh Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.babynames.com/name/yeardley Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: nature, places, plants
Yeong (영). Korean. From Sino-Korean, in which the meaning depends upon the Korean Hanja spelling. Pronounced like "yung."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yeong Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: one syllable
Yí (with rising tone). Chinese. Meaning depends on the characters chosen to write it. 1. 宜. Meaning "Suitable, proper." 2. 怡. Meaning "Joy, harmony." A feminine spelling. 3. 仪. Meaning "Ceremony, rights." A feminine spelling.https://www.behindthename.com/name/yi Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: emotions, feminine inclined, joy, one syllable, virtues
Yì (with falling tone). Chinese. Meaning depends on the characters chosen to write it. 1. 毅. Meaning "Resolute, decisive firm." 2. 义. Meaning "Justice, righteousness." 3. 益. Meaning "Profit, benefit."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yi Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: one syllable, prosperity, virtues
Yíjūn (怡君). Chinese. Meaning "Joy, harmony," and "King, ruler," if written with the characters shown.https://www.behindthename.com/name/yijun Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: emotions, joy, royalty, two syllables
Yildiz. Turkish. Meaning "Star."https://www.babynames.com/name/yildiz Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: light, nature, sky, star
Yimeyam. Native American, Coos tribe. Meaning "Bright."https://www.babynames.com/name/yimeyam Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: light
Yīn (with high tone). Chinese. Meaning depends on characters chosen to write it. 1. 音. Meaning "Sound, tone." 2. 荫. Meaning "Shade, shelter, protect."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yin Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: one syllable
Yín (with rising tone) (银). Chinese. Meaning "Silver, money."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yin Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: colours, one syllable, prosperity, treasure
Ying (英). Chinese. Meaning "Petal, flower; outstanding, surpassing; admirable, heroic." Keywords: one syllable, virtue
Ynes. Spanish. Medieval Spanish version of Inés, which in turn derives from a latinized version of the Greek name Hagne (Ἁγνή), meaning "chaste."https://www.behindthename.com/name/ynes/submitted Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/agnes Archived on 17 July 2023 US SSA data shows that this name is used as a feminine name 53% of the time.https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/Y/YN/YNES/index.html Keywords: neutral inclined
Yohance. West Africa, Hausa. Meaning "God's gift."https://www.babynames.com/name/yohance Archived on 17 July 2023
Yolotl or Yolotli. Native American, Nahuatl. Meaning "Heart."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yolotl Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/yolotli Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: three syllables
Yolyamanitzin. Native American, Nahuatl. Meaning "Considerate, tender person." Keywords: affection, five syllables, love, personality
Yǒng. Chinese. Meaning depends on characters chosen to write it. 1. 勇. Meaning "Brave." 2. 永. Meaning "Perpetual, eternal."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yong Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: courage, one syllable, warrior
Yoomee. Native American, Coos tribe. Meaning "Star."https://www.babynames.com/name/yoomee Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: light, nature, sky, star, two syllables
Yori (より). Japanese. Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 愛. Meaning "Love." 2. 縁. "Edge." 3. 和. "Calm, harmony, peace." 4. 世莉. "World," "type of tree." Keywords: two syllables
Yoshi (よし). Japanese. Pronounced "yo-shee." Short form of several names beginning with Yoshi. Meaning depends on the kanji chosen to write it, some options for which follow; there are others. 1. 義. Meaning "Correct; righteous." 2. 吉. Meaning "Fine, happy; good luck." 3. 良. Meaning "Good, nice, virtuous, respectable."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yoshi Archived on 17 July 2023https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yoshi-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: joy, luck, personality, two syllables, virtue
Yoshie (よしえ). Japanese. Pronounced "yo-shee-eh." Meaning depends on the two kanji characters chosen to write it. For example, the first character, for the "yoshi" part, can be 芳 (meaning "fragrant, virtuous, beautiful"), or 由 (meaning "reason, case"). The second character, for the "-e" part, can be 恵, meaning "favor, benefit, blessed." Other meanings are possible by using other kanji spellings.https://www.behindthename.com/name/yoshie Archived on 17 July 2023https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yoshie-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: beauty, joy, luck, personality, three syllables, virtue
Young (영). Korean. Alternative spelling of the Korean unisex name Yeong (영).https://www.behindthename.com/name/young Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: one syllable
Yu (various tones). Chinese. Meaning depends on the characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow. 1. 宇. Meaning "Appearance, countenance." 2. 鱼. Meaning "Fish." 3. 羽. Meaning "Feather, wing." 4. Yù. 玉. Meaning "Jade." 5. 聿. Meaning "Nimble, quick." 6. Yú. 愉. Meaning "Pleasant, delightful." 7. Yǔ. 雨. Meaning "Rain."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yu Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: air, animals, appearance, elements, joy, nature, personality, treasure, value, weather, water
Yue (月). Chinese. Meaning "Moon." Keywords: moon, nature, one syllable, sky
Yüksel. Turkish. Meaning "Rise."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yu12ksel/submitted Keywords: two syllables
Yule. English. Meaning "Christmastime, midwinter, winter solstice, feast."https://www.babynames.com/name/yule Archived on 17 July 2023 In the USA, about 51 people have had this name.https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/Y/YU/YULE/index.html Keywords: Christian, food, fun, one syllable, Pagan, rare, religious, winter
Yun (various tones). Chinese. Meaning depends on characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow. 1. 筠. Meaning "Bamboo skin." 2. 雲. Meaning "Clouds." 3. Yún. 云. Meaning "Cloud." 4. Yǔn. 允. Meaning "Allow, consent."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yun Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: air, nature, one syllable, plants, sky, weather
Yun-Seo (윤서). Korean.https://www.behindthename.com/name/yun01seo Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: two syllables
Yunuen. Native American, Mayan. From the name of an island on Lake Pátzcuaro in Mexico, possibly meaning "Half moon."https://www.behindthename.com/name/yunuen Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: moon, nature, places, water
Yusheng. Chinese. Meaning depends on the characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow. 1. 鱼生. Meaning "Fish life." 2. 羽生. Meaning "Winged life." Keywords: animals, air, birds, elements, fish, nature, water
Yutaka (ゆたか). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow. 1. 裕. "Rich." 2. 豊. "Rich." 3. 豊賀. "Rich" and "to be delighted." 4. 豊香. "Rich" and "incense." 4. 豊歌. "Rich" and "Song." 5. 豊花. "Rich" and "flower." 6. 豊夏. "Rich" and "summer." 7. 豊果. "Rich" and "fruit." 8. 豊嘉. "Rich" and "fine." 9. 豊加. "Rich" and "addition." 10. 豊可. "Rich" and "yes." 11. 豊佳. "Rich" and "beautiful, lovely." 12. 悠鷹. "Much far" and "hawk." 13. 優鷹. "Superiority" and "hawk." 14. 由多佳. "Reason," "multi," and "beautiful, lovely." 15. 夕多香. "Evening," "multi," and "incense."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yutaka-2/ Keywords: animals, beauty, birds, food, nature, prosperity, summer, time
Yuu, Yū (ゆう). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow. 1. 愛. Meaning "Love." 2. 友. "Friend." 3. 癒雨. "Healing," "rain." 4. 優卯. "Superiority," "rabbit." 5. 祐羽. "Help of god," "wing." 6. 柚宇. "Citrus fruit," "World." 7. 由侑. "Reason," "Help someone."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yuu-2/ Keywords: affection, animals, food, nature, water, weather
Yuuki, Yūki, Yûki, Yuki (ゆうき). Japanese. Meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen to write it, some options for which follow. 1. 幸. Meaning "Happiness; good fortune." 2. 雪. Meaning "Snow."http://japanesenameguide.blogspot.com/2009/12/yuuki.html Archived on 17 July 2023https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yuuki-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 A notable nonbinary person with this name is Yuhki Kamatani, an X-gender Japanese manga artist. Keywords: emotion, joy, luck, nature, water, winter
Yuuri, Yūri, Yûri, Yuri (ゆうり). Japanese. Meaning depends on kanji characters chosen to write it. Some possible choices follow. 1. 有理. Meaning "Rational." 2. 祐里. Meaning "Lily." 3. 有利. Meaning "Advantageous." 4. 雄利. Meaning "Cage."https://web.archive.org/web/20161222201803/http://japanesenameguide.blogspot.com/2010/01/yuuri.htmlhttps://japanese-names.info/first_name/yuuri-2/ Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: plants, virtue
Yuuya (ゆうや). Japanese. Meaning depends on kanji characters chosen to write it. Some possible choices follow. 1. 悠弥. Meaning "Much far," and "Progress." 2. 結矢. "Tie," "arrow." 3. 有耶. "Have," "Father."https://japanese-names.info/first_name/yuuya-2/ 
Yuval (יוּבָל). Hebrew. A form of the masculine ancient Hebrew name Jubal (יוּבָל), meaning "Stream." In the book of Genesis, Jubal was the name of the first musician (Genesis 4:21). In modern Hebrew, Yuval is a gender-neutral name.https://www.behindthename.com/name/yuval Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.behindthename.com/name/jubal Archived on 17 July 2023 In the USA, 60% of people named Yuval are boys.https://www.mynamestats.com/First-Names/Y/YU/YUVAL/index.html Keywords: Biblical, neutral inclined, two syllables
Yvian. American, modern. A name created from a combination of the names Yves (meaning "Yew tree," masculine), Yvonne ("yew tree," feminine), and Vivian ("life," neutral).https://www.babynames.com/name/yvian Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.babynames.com/name/Yves Archived on 17 July 2023https://www.babynames.com/name/Yvonne Archived on 17 July 2023 Keywords: modern
== See also ==
* Names
== References ==
Category:Neutral names
de:namen#y