Declining since 2003, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Yu since 1969
Babies named Yu per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 0 | 5 |
| 1970s | 12 | 16 |
| 1980s | 69 | 76 |
| 1990s | 109 | 103 |
| 2000s | 132 | 109 |
| 2010s | 53 | 88 |
| 2020s | 6 | 52 |
Meaning & origin
Yu is a rare, unisex name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1969. It reached its peak rank in 2002 at #8243, with 1 in 189,786 babies given the name. Since 2003, its usage has been falling. The name is a short, modern choice with possible ties to East Asian roots, but its etymology remains uncertain. It has not been concentrated in any particular U.S. state. For parents seeking a brief, cross-cultural name, Yu offers simplicity and a neutral gender appeal, though its rarity means it stands out.
The name Yu entered U.S. naming records in 1969, likely as a simplified spelling or borrowing from East Asian names and surnames. It has no established etymology in English, and its origins in other languages are multiple and unrelated. As a given name in the U.S., it is most commonly used for both boys and girls, often chosen for its brevity and cross-cultural appeal.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Yoo
Sibling names for Yu
Names that share Yu's style, for a brother or sister.
