Rising since 1990, #5,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Yui since 1989
Babies named Yui per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 8 |
| 1990s | 94 |
| 2000s | 139 |
| 2010s | 214 |
| 2020s | 119 |
Meaning & origin
Yui, a Japanese girls' name that entered the U.S. naming scene relatively recently, has seen a steady rise in popularity since the 1990s. First recorded in American data in 1989, the name reached its peak rank in 2016, reflecting a broader trend of Japanese names gaining international visibility through anime, J-pop, and other cultural exports. In its peak year, the name was given to a small but growing number of babies, with a 1-in-80,363 incidence in 2025 indicating continued niche but sustained use. While Yui does not have strong ties to any U.S. state, its trajectory shows a consistent upward pattern since 1990, suggesting it appeals to parents seeking a short, melodic name with authentic Japanese roots. The name's multiple possible meanings, derived from different kanji characters, add depth for families with Japanese heritage or those drawn to its simplicity and elegance.
Yui is a Japanese feminine given name that can be written with various kanji characters, including 結 (meaning 'tie' or 'bind'), 由 (meaning 'reason' or 'cause'), 唯 (meaning 'sole' or 'merely'), or 優 (meaning 'tenderness' or 'excellence'). The name became increasingly popular in the 1990s and 2000s, partly influenced by Japanese pop culture, and peaked in usage around 2016 in the United States.
Sibling names for Yui
Names that share Yui's style, for a brother or sister.
