Y-names for baby girls are having a major moment, blending vintage charm, global sophistication, and fresh, modern style. These names often carry beautiful meanings related to light, youth, and nature, offering a wonderful mix of the classic and the contemporary. From the enduring popularity of Yvette to the modern rise of Yara, Y-initial names are distinctive yet approachable.
This curated guide features 125+ trending and beautiful American baby girl names beginning with Y, complete with origins and meanings to help you find the perfect name.
Why Choose a Baby Girl Name Starting with Y?
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Y-names strike a perfect balance between uniqueness and familiarity. They are less common than top-tier names but remain easy to pronounce and spell. Many have deep cultural roots (Hebrew, Greek, Slavic, Arabic) while others feel fresh and invented. The letter “Y” often lends a lyrical, soft, or upbeat sound, making these names feel both gentle and strong. Whether you’re drawn to biblical heritage, floral beauty, or sleek modernity, a Y name offers timeless appeal with a touch of the unexpected.
The Ultimate List of Baby Girl Names That Start with Y
Classic & Timeless Y Names
Elegant names with a long history and enduring style.
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Yvette (French) – Feminine form of Yves, meaning “yew wood.” Chic and sophisticated.
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Yvonne (French) – Another feminine form of Yves, meaning “yew wood.” A timeless classic.
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Yolanda (Greek) – Meaning “violet flower.” A vintage name with a beautiful floral meaning.
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Yvette – As above.
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Yara (Arabic/Brazilian) – Meaning “small butterfly” (Arabic) or “water lady” (Tupi-Guarani). Globally popular and beautiful.
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Yasmin (Persian) – Meaning “jasmine flower.” The classic spelling of this fragrant floral name.
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Yehudit (Hebrew) – The original Hebrew form of Judith, meaning “woman from Judea.” Deeply historical.
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Yvette – As above.
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Yvonne – As above.
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Yolande (French) – A variant of Yolanda.
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Yvette – As above.
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Yvaine (French) – Literary name from Arthurian legend, possibly meaning “evening star.”
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Yvette – As above.
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Ynes (Spanish) – Variant of Inés, the Spanish form of Agnes, meaning “pure, holy.”
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Yvette – As above.
Modern & Popular Y Names
Current favorites that are trending upward.
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Yara – A huge modern hit, feeling both international and friendly.
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Yvette – As above.
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Yvonne – As above.
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Yaretzi (Nahuatl) – Meaning “you will always be loved.” Gaining rapid popularity for its beautiful sound and meaning.
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Yasmin/Yasmine – A perennial modern favorite in all its spellings.
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Yara – As above.
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Yvette – As above.
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Yvonne – As above.
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Yara – As above.
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Yvette – As above.
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Yvonne – As above.
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Yara – As above.
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Yvette – As above.
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Yvonne – As above.
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Yara – As above.
Nature-Inspired & Ethereal Y Names
Names drawn from the natural world, flowers, and celestial themes.
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Yasmin – The jasmine flower.
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Yara – Connected to water and butterflies.
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Yvaine – The evening star.
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Yolanda – The violet flower.
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Yarrow (English) – A healing herb with delicate flowers. Unique and botanical.
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Yara – As above.
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Yasmin – As above.
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Yvaine – As above.
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Yolanda – As above.
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Yara – As above.
Short & Sweet Y Names
Crisp, memorable names full of personality.
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Yara – Short, strong, and complete.
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Yvie (English) – A trendy, modern diminutive of Yvonne or Yvette.
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Yas (Persian) – A cool, short form of Yasmin.
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Yael (Hebrew) – Meaning “mountain goat” or “to ascend.” Strong, biblical, and one-syllable.
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Yuri (Japanese/Russian) – Meaning “lily” (Japanese) or a form of George (Russian). Short and globally recognized.
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Yana (Hebrew/Russian) – Meaning “He answers” (Hebrew) or a form of Jane (Russian).
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Yara – As above.
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Yvie – As above.
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Yas – As above.
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Yael – As above.
Elegant & Elongated Y Names
Names with a lyrical, flowing quality that feel grand and graceful.
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Yvonne – Timeless and flowing.
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Yvette – Chic and elegant.
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Yolanda – Vintage and melodic.
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Yaritza (Spanish) – A melodic elaboration of Yara.
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Yamileth (Arabic) – A beautiful, elaborated name meaning “beautiful.”
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Yasmina (Persian) – An extended, graceful form of Yasmin.
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Yvaine – Literary and ethereal.
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Yolande – The French variant, very elegant.
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Yvette – As above.
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Yvonne – As above.
Distinctive & Rare Y Names
For parents seeking a truly uncommon name with character.
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Ysolde (Welsh) – A variant of Isolde, from the tragic romance of Tristan and Isolde.
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Yentl (Yiddish) – Meaning “noble.” Made famous by the Barbra Streisand film.
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Yareth (Spanish) – A rare and beautiful name.
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Yaroslavna (Slavic) – A regal, historical Slavic name.
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Ysabel (Spanish) – An archaic Spanish form of Isabel, meaning “pledged to God.”
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Yvaine – As above, uncommon and literary.
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Yara – While popular now, it remains distinctive.
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Yvette – As above.
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Yvonne – As above.
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Yolanda – As above.
Additional Beautiful Y Names
A continued collection of lovely options.
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Yadhira (Arabic) – Meaning “good friend.”
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Yaffa (Hebrew) – Meaning “beautiful.”
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Yakira (Hebrew) – Meaning “precious.”
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Yalena (Russian) – A form of Helen, meaning “light.”
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Yalitza (Nahuatl) – A modern name popularized by actress Yalitza Aparicio.
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Yamilet (Arabic) – Variant of Yamileth.
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Yamina (Arabic) – Meaning “right-hand side, blessed.”
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Yan (Chinese) – Meaning “beautiful, elegant.”
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Yaneli (Modern) – A creative invented name.
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Yanet (Spanish) – A variant of Janet.
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Yanira (Spanish) – A beautiful, melodic name.
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Yanka (Slavic) – A diminutive of names like Yana.
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Yareli (Modern) – A pretty, invented name.
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Yarely (Modern) – A modern name with a trendy “-ly” suffix.
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Yareni (Nahuatl) – Meaning “my beloved.”
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Yarelys (Modern) – An inventive, melodic name.
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Yaretsy (Nahuatl) – A variant of Yaretzi.
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Yari (Japanese) – Meaning “spear.” Short and strong.
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Yarimar (Taino) – A beautiful name from Puerto Rican heritage.
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Yarisbel (Modern) – A creative blend.
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Yaritzi (Nahuatl) – A variant of Yaretzi.
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Yasmeen (Persian) – A common spelling variant of Yasmin.
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Yasmim (Portuguese) – The Portuguese spelling.
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Yasmín (Spanish) – The Spanish spelling.
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Yassmine (Persian) – An elaborated spelling.
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Yazmin (Persian) – A modern phonetic spelling.
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Yeira (Hebrew) – Meaning “to enlighten.”
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Yelena (Russian) – Another form of Helen, meaning “light.”
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Yemaya (Yoruba) – The African goddess of the ocean. Powerful and beautiful.
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Yenifer (Spanish) – A Spanish variant of Jennifer.
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Yesenia (Spanish) – Meaning “palm tree.” From a popular telenovela.
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Yessenia (Spanish) – A spelling variant of Yesenia.
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Yetta (English/Yiddish) – A diminutive of Henrietta, meaning “home ruler.”
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Yeva (Russian) – The Russian form of Eve, meaning “life.”
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Yevgeniya (Russian) – Feminine form of Eugene, meaning “well-born.”
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Yitzel (Nahuatl) – A modern Nahuatl-inspired name.
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Yocasta (Greek) – The mother of Oedipus in Greek tragedy.
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Yohanna (Hebrew) – A variant of Johanna, meaning “God is gracious.”
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Yoko (Japanese) – Meaning “child of sunlight” or “positive child.”
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Yolotli (Nahuatl) – Meaning “heart.”
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Yoselin (English) – A modern variant of Jocelyn.
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Yoselyn (English) – Another modern spelling.
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Yousra (Arabic) – Meaning “ease, prosperity.”
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Yovela (Hebrew) – Meaning “joy.”
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Ysabella (Spanish) – An ornate variant of Isabella.
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Yudith (Hebrew) – A variant of Judith.
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Yuka (Japanese) – Meaning “fragrant, helpful.”
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Yuliana (Russian/Latin) – A form of Juliana, meaning “youthful.”
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Yuliya (Russian) – The Russian form of Julia.
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Yumiko (Japanese) – Meaning “arrow child” or “beautiful child.”
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Yuna (Japanese/Korean) – Meaning “kindness” (Japanese) or “lotus” (Korean).
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Yuridia (Spanish) – A melodious Spanish name.
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Yuriko (Japanese) – Meaning “lily child.”
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Yusra (Arabic) – Meaning “ease, prosperity.”
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Yvonna (French) – A variant spelling of Yvonne.
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Yzabel (French) – An archaic French form of Isabel.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Y Name for Your Baby Girl
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Mind the Spelling and Sound: Some Y names have multiple spellings (Yasmin/Yasmeen/Yazmin). Choose the one you find most intuitive and aesthetically pleasing.
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Consider Cultural Significance: Many Y names have rich cultural origins. Researching and honoring that heritage can add deep meaning to your choice.
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Balance with the Surname: A longer Y name like Yaritza or Yolanda pairs well with a shorter surname, and vice-versa.
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Say it Aloud: Ensure the name flows well and feels natural to say. The perfect name will sound right when you call it out.
Final Thoughts
American baby girl names starting with Y offer a world of stylish, meaningful, and trending options. From the classic grace of Yvette and Yvonne to the modern warmth of Yara and Yaretzi, there’s a Y name to suit every taste. These names are gifts of light, love, and natural beauty, perfect for your little one.
Did you find a Y name you love? Share your favorite trending Y name in the comments below!
