Declining since 2008, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Yul since 1957
Babies named Yul per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1960, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Yul's real moment was 1966.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 79 |
| 1960s | 219 |
| 1970s | 116 |
| 1980s | 61 |
| 1990s | 54 |
| 2000s | 55 |
| 2010s | 65 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Yul is a concise, rare modern name that has never achieved widespread popularity. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1957 and reached its peak rank (12008) in 1966, with roughly 1 in 341,615 children receiving the name as of 2025. The name's trajectory has been falling since 2008, reflecting its low and declining usage. While Yul is sometimes associated with actor Yul Brynner, its etymology remains unclear: it may draw from the seasonal term Yule or serve as a short form of Russian names. Parents considering Yul are likely drawn to its simplicity and uncommon sound, but its rarity means it may be unfamiliar to many.
Yul is a short, modern name that emerged in the mid-20th century. It may be derived from Yule, the Old English term for the Christmas season, or it could be a diminutive of Russian names such as Yulian (Julian). The name gained limited visibility due to actor Yul Brynner, though the spelling connection to Brynner's birth name is uncertain.
Sibling names for Yul
Names that share Yul's style, for a brother or sister.
