What customs and traditions are associated with English baby names?

English naming customs typically involve three elements - a given name, a middle name (s), and a family name. The British follow a patrilineal naming system where the child inherits their fathers family name. However, following the patrilineal naming system is not mandatory. Instead, parents have the freedom to choose their childs last name. Some parents could also give their child the mothers last name. In contrast, others may provide both mother and father surnames in a hyphenated form, reflecting the flexibility in English naming traditions and customs.

How do English baby names reflect a person's heritage?

English naming conventions are diverse, encompassing people from different religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Many parents may opt for names that mirror their ethnic and cultural connections. For example, parents of Irish heritage may choose titles like Liam. On the other hand, those of Greek origin might opt for names like Sophia or Alexander. Parents may also pick names that reflect their regional heritage. For example, Devon and Kent are names inspired by specific regions or places within England. Furthermore, many families pass down names from one generation to another or choose monikers inspired by literary and historical figures.

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51 English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With Y

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Yadiel	Boy	God's praise
Yael	Boy	Mountain goat; Ibex
Yasmine	Girl	Jasmine flower
Yvette	Girl	A skilled archer; Yew tree
Yazmin	Girl	Jasmine
Yvonne	Girl	Yew tree; Archer
Yadier	Boy	Friend; Companion
Yves	Boy	Yew
Yeriel	Boy	God is my light; God has taught me
Yishai	Boy	Gift

Yessica	Girl	To behold
Yazmine	Boy	Jasmine flower
Yobani	Unisex	God is gracious
Yvaine	Girl	Evening star; Well born
Yates	Boy	Gates
Yzabella	Girl	My God is an oath
Yomi	Unisex	Child of the Underworld; Phase child
Yadel	Unisex	Praise of God
Yale	Unisex	Fertile upland
Yorick	Boy	Farmer; Earthworker

Yukon	Unisex	Big river
Yanelle	Unisex	God is gracious
Yardley	Girl	Wood clearing; Branch; Twig; Pole
Yashica	Girl	One who achieves success; One who is famous
Yovana	Girl	Yahweh is gracious
Yireh	Unisex	The Lord sees; The Lord will provide
Yanci	Unisex	Jan's son; Charming and kind; Fascinating and loving
Yesh	Unisex	There is; There are; Hedgehog; To try; To resolve; Boil up
Yahna	Girl	Yahweh is gracious
Yazmeen	Girl	Jasmine

Yanice	Unisex	Yahweh is gracious
Yovanna	Girl	Yahweh is gracious
Yenna	Unisex	God is gracious; White phantom
Yesika	Girl	To behold
Yesha	Girl	Beautiful culture; Fame; Praise; Glory; Camel thorn; Salvation
Yashira	Unisex	To be rich; To become easy
Ya	Unisex	Elegant; Graceful; Violet
Yancy	Unisex	Jan's son; Yahweh is gracious
Yakima	Unisex	A growing family; Black bear; Runaway
Yaiiua	Girl	Bright; Youthful; Vibrant person with youthful energy

Yon	Girl	Barn swallow; Dove
Yedda	Girl	Darling; Beloved
Yaletha	Girl	A variant of Oletha; Light; Nimble
Yeoman	Boy	Attendant
Yule	Boy	Of Christmas time; The one born on Christmas day
Yasmin	Girl	Jasmine
Yolanda	Girl	Violet; Violet flower
Yarely	Girl	Lady of the water
Yeardley	Unisex	Enclosed meadow
Yes	Unisex	Affirmation; Agreement; Acceptance

Yannah	Girl	God is gracious

Infographic: Beautiful English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With Y

Your baby's name is a timeless expression of your love and aspirations for their future. It is a gift that will stay with them forever and remind them of their individuality. Understanding this, our infographic below brings you some adorable English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With Y that are distinct yet versatile. Explore them to find a beautiful name that best suits your preferences. Share this infographic with other soon-to-be moms and dads to help them choose an adorable title for their children.

English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With Y(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.