Declining since 2022, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Yoshi since 1914
Babies named Yoshi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 18 | 0 |
| 1920s | 16 | 5 |
| 1930s | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 12 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 7 | 0 |
| 2000s | 17 | 65 |
| 2010s | 11 | 85 |
| 2020s | 10 | 64 |
Meaning & origin
Yoshi is a Japanese name rooted in positive qualities like good luck and righteousness. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1923, but its popularity has remained modest, peaking in 2011. As of 2025, it ranks 9714, with a 1-in-244011 incidence rate. The name has seen a gradual decline since 2022, reflecting broader trends away from uncommon Japanese names in the U.S. While not tied to any specific states, Yoshi carries cultural resonance through its use in Japanese families and global recognition via media. Its straightforward pronunciation and positive meaning make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with international flair.
Yoshi derives from Japanese 吉 (yoshi) meaning 'good luck' or 'good fortune', or 義 (yoshi) meaning 'righteousness, justice'. It is commonly used as a standalone name or as an element in compound names like Yoshio or Yoshihiro. In Japanese, the name is written with a single kanji character, and its use dates back centuries, though it gained some international recognition through popular culture, such as the Nintendo character Yoshi introduced in 1990.
Sibling names for Yoshi
Names that share Yoshi's style, for a brother or sister.
