MallowbyNames

Yen

YEN · Of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of names like Jen or a Vietnamese name meaning 'peace' or 'quiet'.

Peak popularity
1982
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1985

Declining since 1985.

Popularity of Yen since 1975

Babies named Yen per year in U.S. Social Security records.

112233198020002020Most births 1982GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1970s290
1980s24619
1990s12713
2000s10010
2010s525
2020s100

Meaning & origin

Yen is a rare name in the United States, first recorded in 1975. It reached its peak in 1982, but its usage has been declining since 1985. While it has never entered the top 1000, its trajectory suggests it is an uncommon choice. The name may have roots in English as a variant of Jen or in Vietnamese culture, where it signifies peace. Despite its low frequency, Yen carries a simple, modern sound.

The name Yen may derive from English as a variant of Jen, a diminutive of Jennifer. Alternatively, it could be a Vietnamese name (Yên) meaning 'peace' or 'quiet'. Its usage in the United States began in the 1970s, and it saw modest popularity in the 1980s before declining.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Jen, Yenn

Sibling names for Yen

Names that share Yen's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Mai, Linh, Anh, Kim, Hoa, Lan, Ngan, Quyen, Thuy, Vung

Brothers: Minh, Tuan, Nam, Quan, Tan, Duong, Hai, Quy

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

Y is for Yen, our favorite little girl.

Y is for Yen…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Yen's letter becomes Yen's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Yen's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Yen mean?
The meaning of Yen is uncertain. It may be a variant of Jen or a Vietnamese name meaning 'peace'.
How popular is the name Yen?
Yen has never ranked among the top 1000 names in the U.S. Its peak year was 1982, and its usage has been declining since 1985.
Is Yen a boy or girl name?
Yen is typically used for girls, though it can be unisex in some contexts.