Declining since 2016.
Popularity of Yilin since 2008
Babies named Yilin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 13 | 0 |
| 2010s | 55 | 5 |
| 2020s | 26 | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Yilin is a Chinese name that first entered U.S. baby name records in 2008, reflecting increased cultural exchange and immigration. It reached its peak popularity in 2016, after which its usage began to decline. The name has never cracked the top 1,000 nationally, remaining a relatively rare choice. Its meaning is fluid, tied to the specific characters chosen by parents, which adds a layer of personal significance. While it does not have strong associations with any particular U.S. state, Yilin represents a modern blend of cultural heritage and contemporary naming trends.
Yilin is a Chinese given name composed of two syllables, each represented by a character that can vary. Common characters include 懿 (yì, 'virtuous, elegant') and 琳 (lín, 'jade'), or 怡 (yí, 'joy') and 林 (lín, 'forest'). The name has been used in China for centuries, though its popularity in the United States is a recent phenomenon, first recorded in 2008. It is typically given to girls.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yi, Lin, Yiyi
Sibling names for Yilin
Names that share Yilin's style, for a brother or sister.
