MallowbyNames

Yuka

由香YOO-kah · From Japanese, often meaning 'fragrance' or 'gentle', depending on the kanji used.

Peak popularity
1996
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1997

Declining since 1997.

Popularity of Yuka since 1975

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

71522198020002020Most births 1996Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s16
1980s64
1990s153
2000s85
2010s68
2020s5

Meaning & origin

Yuka is a Japanese feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1975. It reached its peak popularity in 1996, when it did not rank among the top 1000 names overall. However, it has been on a declining trajectory since 1997, reflecting a broader shift away from single-syllable Japanese names in the United States. Despite its niche status, Yuka retains a gentle, melodic quality that appeals to families seeking a distinctly Japanese name with positive floral and fragrant associations. It has never been concentrated in any particular U.S. state, consistent with its relatively low overall usage.

Yuka is a Japanese feminine name commonly written with kanji such as 由香 (yū 'reason' + ka 'fragrance') or 優花 (yū 'gentleness' + ka 'flower'). It emerged as a given name in Japan during the 20th century and has been particularly popular since the 1990s.

Sibling names for Yuka

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

Sisters: Aoi, Hana, Sakura, Rin, Miyu

Brothers: Haruki, Ren, Sota, Kaito, Yuki, Kohei

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

Y is for Yuka, our favorite little girl.

Y is for Yuka…”

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

Make Yuka's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Yuka mean?
Yuka is a Japanese name typically composed of characters meaning 'fragrance' and 'flower' or other positive attributes, though meaning varies by kanji choice.
How popular is the name Yuka currently?
Yuka peaked at number 1 in Social Security Administration rankings in 1996, but as of 2025 it is not in the top 1000 and has been falling in popularity since 1997.
Is Yuka a boy's or girl's name?
Yuka is almost exclusively used as a feminine name in Japan.