Rising since 2022.
Popularity of Yang since 1981
Babies named Yang per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 28 | 87 |
| 1990s | 14 | 94 |
| 2000s | 0 | 42 |
| 2010s | 5 | 62 |
| 2020s | 0 | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Yang first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1981, reflecting increased immigration and cultural exchange. Its peak year of popularity was 1990, after which usage declined but has been rising again since 2022. The name's trajectory shows a recent uptick, though it has never ranked in the top 1000. As a name that is both a common Chinese surname and a given name, Yang carries strong cultural significance. It is typically associated with positive meanings such as 'sun' or 'male principle' in Chinese philosophy. Parents choosing Yang today often do so to honor Chinese heritage or embrace a concise, internationally recognizable name.
Yang is a common Chinese surname and also a masculine given name. It can derive from various Chinese characters, most commonly 阳 (yáng) meaning 'sun, male, positive' or 杨 (yáng) meaning 'poplar tree'. As a given name, it has been used in China for centuries and has gained some international usage due to Chinese diaspora. In the United States, it first appeared in Social Security records in 1981.
Sibling names for Yang
Names that share Yang's style, for a brother or sister.
