This page brings together 20 English names that start with the letter Y, running alphabetically from “Yale” to “Yvon.” You’ll find a mix of male, female, and unisex options here, drawn from English roots and blended with French, Hebrew, Arabic, and other traditions. Parents use these names for newborns, while writers and creators often borrow them for characters who need a distinctive, memorable feel.
English names are the personal names commonly used across English-speaking countries, shaped over centuries by local language, place names, and surnames that crossed over into first names. Many of them began as the names of villages, trades, or natural features before families started passing them on. The name “York,” for example, traces straight back to the historic northern English city and still carries a noble, grounded ring today.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Gender, Origin, Meaning, Famous Namesakes, and Description.
Name: This shows you the exact spelling of each name, listed in alphabetical order so you can scan the full set quickly and find favorites.
Gender: This tells you whether a name is typically used for a boy, a girl, or works comfortably for either, helping you match it to your needs.
Origin: This points to the language or culture a name comes from, giving you a sense of its background and the heritage it might reflect.
Meaning: This explains what each name stands for, so you can choose one whose sense and message feel right for your child or character.
Famous Namesakes: This lists well-known people, places, or brands tied to the name, giving you real examples of how it sounds and feels in use.
Description: This offers a short, plain summary of each name’s style and mood, helping you weigh its tone before you decide.
English names
| Name | Gender | Origin | Meaning | Famous Namesakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yale | Male | English/Welsh | “From the fertile upland” or “old” | Yale University (named for Elihu Yale) |
| Yardley | Unisex | English | “From the enclosed meadow” | Yardley London (cosmetics brand) |
| Yates | Male | English | “Dweller by the gates” | Various English footballers and writers |
| Yedda | Female | English | “Singer” or “the beautiful voice” | — |
| Yeoman | Male | English | “Attendant” or “free farmer of middle rank” | Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London |
| York | Male | English | “Yew-tree estate” or “boar settlement” | Duke of York (royal title); York, England |
| Yorke | Male | English | “From the yew-tree estate” | Thom Yorke (Radiohead frontman) |
| Yelena | Female | English/Russian | “Bright, shining light” | Yelena Belova (Marvel character) |
| Yvette | Female | English/French | “Yew wood” or “archer” | Yvette Cooper (British politician) |
| Yvonne | Female | English/French | “Yew tree” or “archer” | Yvonne De Carlo (actress) |
| Yolanda | Female | English/Spanish | “Violet flower” | Yolanda Adams (gospel singer) |
| Yasmine | Female | English/Persian | “Jasmine flower” | Yasmine Bleeth (actress) |
| Yusuf | Male | English/Arabic | “God increases” or “He adds” | Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) |
| Yael | Female | English/Hebrew | “Mountain goat” or “ibex” | Yael Stone (actress) |
| Yannick | Male | English/French | “God is gracious” | Yannick Noah (tennis player) |
| Yara | Female | English/Arabic | “Small butterfly” or “water lily” | Yara Shahidi (actress) |
| Yancy | Unisex | English | “Englishman” or “Yankee” | Yancy Butler (actress) |
| Yardena | Female | English/Hebrew | “To flow down” (from Jordan) | — |
| Yannis | Male | English/Greek | “God is gracious” | Yannis Philippakis (musician) |
| Yvon | Male | English/French | “Yew wood” | Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia founder) |