This list includes 49 Modern girl names that start with Y, from “Yael” to “Yvonne”. It highlights contemporary favorites, trending spellings, and cross-cultural choices useful for expectant parents, writers, and name researchers.
Modern girl names that start with Y are contemporary feminine names beginning with the letter Y. The Y initial appears in Hebrew, Arabic, and European names, for example “Yael” and “Yvonne”.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Pronunciation, Origin, Meaning, Popularity, and Notes.
Name: Shows the modern given name in standard spelling so you can spot familiar forms and new variants quickly.
Pronunciation: Provides a user-friendly pronunciation guide and IPA where helpful so you can say the name correctly.
Origin: Lists the name’s linguistic or geographic roots so you understand cultural background and historical connections.
Meaning: Gives a concise definition or translation that highlights the name’s sense and symbolic resonance and common associations.
Popularity: Notes recent ranking data or trend indicators so you can compare how common or trendy a name is now.
Notes: Includes usage notes, variant spellings, and brief source hints to help you evaluate suitability and cultural context.
Modern girl names that start with Y
| Name | Pronunciation | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yara | YA-ra (/ˈjɑːrə/) | Arabic, Tupi (Brazilian) | small butterfly; “water lady” (Tupi) |
| Yasmin | YAZ-min (/ˈjæzmɪn/) | Persian, Arabic | jasmine flower |
| Yasmina | yaz-MEE-nah (/jæzˈmiːnə/) | Arabic, Persian | jasmine flower |
| Yasmeen | yaz-MEEN (/jæzˈmiːn/) | Arabic, Persian | jasmine flower |
| Yael | YAH-el (/ˈjaɛl/) | Hebrew | mountain goat (ibex) |
| Yana | YAH-na (/ˈjɑːnə/) | Slavic, Hebrew | God is gracious (Slavic variant of Joanna) |
| Yulia | YOO-lee-uh (/ˈjuːliə/) | Russian, Slavic | youthful (variant of Julia) |
| Yuliana | yoo-lee-AH-nuh (/ˌjuːliˈænə/) | Latin, Slavic, Spanish | youthful (variant of Juliana) |
| Yuna | YOO-nah (/ˈjuːnə/) | Japanese, Korean | varies by language; often “gentle” or “to bind” |
| Yuki | YOO-kee (/ˈjuːki/) | Japanese | snow or “happiness” (depending on kanji) |
| Yumi | YOO-mee (/ˈjuːmi/) | Japanese | varies by kanji: “beauty,” “reason,” “archery bow” |
| Yuriko | yoo-REE-koh (/juːˈriːko/) | Japanese | lily or “lilac child” (depending on kanji) |
| Yvonne | ih-VON (/ɪˈvɒn/) | French | yew tree |
| Yvette | ih-VET (/ɪˈvɛt/) | French | yew or “archer” |
| Yaretzi | yah-RET-see (/jɑːˈrɛtsi/) | Nahuatl (Mexican) | you will always be loved (modern interpretation) |
| Yareli | yah-REH-lee (/jɑːˈrɛli/) | Nahuatl/Spanish | beloved or modern regional name |
| Yaritza | yah-REET-sah (/jɑːˈritsə/) | Spanish (Latin America) | modern Latin American name; meaning varies |
| Yoselin | yo-SEH-lin (/joʊˈsɛlɪn/) | Spanish (modern) | modern Spanish form of Jocelyn |
| Yoseline | yo-seh-LEEN (/joʊsəˈliːn/) | Spanish | modern Spanish variant of Jocelyn |
| Yulissa | yoo-LEE-sah (/juːˈlɪsə/) | Spanish | modern Hispanic name; meaning uncertain |
| Yazmin | yaz-MEEN (/ˈjæzmɪn/) | Arabic, Persian | jasmine flower |
| Yazmine | yaz-MEEN (/ˈjæzmiːn/) | Arabic, Persian | jasmine flower |
| Yelena | yeh-LEH-nah (/jɛˈlɛnə/) | Russian, Slavic | light (variant of Helen) |
| Yeliz | YEH-liz (/ˈjɛlɪz/) | Turkish | unique, “beautiful” (Turkish interpretation) |
| Yusra | YOO-srah (/ˈjuːsrə/) | Arabic | ease, prosperity |
| Yosra | YOHS-rah (/joʊsˈrɑː/) | Arabic (North Africa) | ease, prosperity |
| Yohana | yo-HAH-nah (/joʊˈɑːnə/) | Spanish, Ethiopian | God is gracious (variant of Joanna) |
| Yenny | YEN-ee (/ˈjɛni/) | Spanish (Latin America) | modern diminutive of Jennifer; used as standalone |
| Yesenia | yeh-SEH-nee-uh (/jɛˈsɛniə/) | Spanish (modern) | modern Latin American name; meaning debated |
| Yalitza | yah-LEE-tsah (/jɑːˈliːtsə/) | Possibly Nahuatl/modern Mexican | modern Mexican given name; meaning uncertain |
| Yalda | YAL-dah (/ˈjɑːldə/) | Persian | longest night (winter solstice) |
| Yamina | yah-MEE-nah (/jəˈmiːnə/) | Arabic | right, blessed |
| Yaren | YA-ren (/ˈjɑːrən/) | Turkish | friend, companion |
| Yagmur | YAHG-moor (/ˈjɑːɡmʊr/) | Turkish | rain |
| Yildiz | YIL-diz (/ˈjɪldɪz/) | Turkish | star |
| Yelissa | yeh-LISS-ah (/jɛˈlɪsə/) | Spanish, modern coinage | modern form of Melissa; “honeybee” (Melissa origin) |
| Yanira | yah-NEE-rah (/jɑːˈniːrə/) | Spanish (modern) | modern Hispanic name; meaning uncertain |
| Yanet | yah-NET (/jɑːˈnɛt/) | Spanish (modern) | modern form related to Janet |
| Yaffa | YAH-fah (/ˈjɑːfə/) | Hebrew | beautiful |
| Yoko | YOH-koh (/ˈjoʊkoʊ/) | Japanese | child of the sun or “good child” (depends on kanji) |
| Yolani | yo-LAH-nee (/joʊˈlɑːni/) | Hawaiian-influenced, modern | to soar or modern Hawaiian-influenced meaning |
| Yulisa | yoo-LEE-sah (/juːˈliːsə/) | Spanish (modern) | modern Hispanic name; meaning uncertain |
| Yalina | yah-LEE-nah (/jɑːˈliːnə/) | Spanish, Slavic | modern form; meaning varies by origin |
| Yaira | YAH-ee-rah (/ˈjaɪrə/) | Hebrew | she will illuminate or “he will enlighten” |
| Yaiza | YAI-zah (/ˈjaɪzə/) | Spanish (Canary Islands) | possibly “pleasant place” or regional name |
| Yalena | yah-LEH-nah (/jɑːˈlɛnə/) | Spanish, Slavic blend | modern blended form; meaning varies |
| Yamina | yah-MEE-nah (/jəˈmiːnə/) | Arabic | right, blessed |
| Yasmina | yahz-MEE-nah (/jæzˈmiːnə/) | Arabic, Persian | jasmine flower |
| Yekaterina | ye-kah-te-REE-nah (/jɛkətəˈriːnə/) | Russian | pure (variant of Katherine) |
Descriptions
Yara
Short, international name trending across Europe and Latin America; appreciated for its simple sound and multi‑culture meanings, rising in several national name lists.
Yasmin
Popular modern classic across English, Arabic and Persian speakers; many spelling variants and steady international use for a floral, elegant vibe.
Yasmina
Longer, lyrical form of Yasmin used internationally; fashionable in multicultural families and often appears in literature and film.
Yasmeen
Alternative spelling emphasizing pronunciation; common in South Asia and the Middle East and increasingly familiar in English-speaking countries.
Yael
Short, strong Hebrew name gaining popularity internationally; crisp sound and biblical roots make it a modern favorite.
Yana
Versatile, cross-cultural name used in Eastern Europe and beyond; simple, modern and easy to pronounce.
Yulia
Common Slavic form of Julia; retains classic meaning while fitting modern naming trends in Eastern Europe and immigrant communities.
Yuliana
Stylish, international variant popular in Latin America and Europe; feminine, elegant and often shortened to Yuli or Ana.
Yuna
Contemporary global pick thanks to K‑pop, J‑pop and anime visibility; short, soft and internationally approachable.
Yuki
Cute and modern in Japan; adopted abroad for its crisp sound and seasonal imagery.
Yumi
Modern Japanese favorite that travels well; short, melodic and common among contemporary parents seeking Asian names.
Yuriko
Classic Japanese feminine name still used today; recognizable internationally and often associated with arts and culture figures.
Yvonne
French classic with modern elegance; used intermittently in English-speaking countries and retains a refined, vintage‑modern feel.
Yvette
Short, chic French name; less trendy than some but often chosen for its sleek sound and European flair.
Yaretzi
Contemporary Mexican name that rose in popularity recently; feels modern, lyrical and culturally specific.
Yareli
Popular in Mexico and the U.S. Hispanic community; modern-sounding with a melodic ending.
Yaritza
Used widely in the Caribbean and Latin America; vibrant, contemporary and often shortened to Yari.
Yoselin
A popular Hispanic spelling of Jocelyn; modern, melodic and commonly used in Latin American communities.
Yoseline
Softer, Latino-influenced spelling that is fashionable in the Americas and fits current naming aesthetics.
Yulissa
Contemporary in Latin America and the U.S.; feels modern and often appears in immigrant‑community registries.
Yazmin
Alternative modern spelling popular in English‑speaking countries; trendy, floral and contemporary.
Yazmine
Another modern variant; fashionable spelling often chosen for uniqueness while keeping the classic meaning.
Yelena
Common Russian form of Helen, widely used today; elegant, international and familiar in Slavic communities.
Yeliz
Contemporary Turkish female name with a crisp modern sound; used widely in Turkey and among Turkish diaspora.
Yusra
Modern Arabic name rising in visibility via public figures; simple, positive meaning and international reach.
Yosra
Popular in Tunisia and Egypt; modern-sounding and common among young North African women.
Yohana
International variant used in Latin America and East Africa; contemporary, familiar and rooted in biblical tradition.
Yenny
Bright, informal name used as a given name in Latin America, reflecting modern nickname-as-name trends.
Yesenia
Became popular after 20th‑century cultural works; widely used across Latin America and U.S. Hispanic communities.
Yalitza
Became internationally known via actress Yalitza Aparicio; modern, stylish and uniquely recognizable.
Yalda
Literary and modern Persian name referencing the winter celebration; poetic and increasingly adopted beyond Iran.
Yamina
Contemporary Arabic feminine name; feels fresh and is used in North Africa and the Middle East.
Yaren
Modern Turkish girl’s name with a friendly meaning; growing popularity in Turkey and among Turkish communities abroad.
Yagmur
Contemporary Turkish name (Yağmur) fashionable for girls; poetic, nature-inspired and modern in Turkey.
Yildiz
A traditional yet still-used Turkish female name with a strong, celestial meaning and modern appeal.
Yelissa
Contemporary Latin American name blending Melissa with Y‑initial styling; feels modern and feminine.
Yanira
Used in Latin America and the U.S.; contemporary and melodic, often chosen for sound over etymology.
Yanet
Short, modern Hispanic variant used in Latin America and among Spanish speakers.
Yaffa
Hebrew name meaning “beautiful”; used in Israel and Jewish communities; classic yet modern in contemporary use.
Yoko
Famous internationally; classic Japanese female name still used and recognized worldwide.
Yolani
Modern, melodic name popular in the U.S. for its Polynesian flavor and contemporary sound.
Yulisa
Contemporary in Latin America and the U.S.; feels fresh and feminine with multiple nickname options.
Yalina
Trendy in Latin communities; modern-sounding and often chosen for its lyrical ending.
Yaira
Biblical-Hebrew name with a bright meaning; short, modern and rising in some regions.
Yaiza
Modern Canary Islands name gaining broader Spanish-language use; crisp, contemporary and island‑flavored.
Yalena
Contemporary multicultural name, often seen as a Y‑variant of Elena or Alina with modern appeal.
Yamina
Variant of Yamina (also spelled Yamina); modern and used across Arabic-speaking countries.
Yasmina
Alternative transcription of Yasmina; feminine, literary and used internationally.
Yekaterina
Traditional Russian name still widely used; formal but common among modern Slavic families.