MallowbyNames

Yusuke

勇助yoo-SOO-kay · Of uncertain meaning; composed of elements that commonly mean 'courageous' (yu) and 'help, aid' (suke), often interpreted as 'courageous help'.

Peak popularity
1993
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Yusuke since 1978

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

71320198020002020Most births 1993Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1970s7
1980s60
1990s139
2000s51
2010s15
2020s17

Meaning & origin

Yusuke is a Japanese male name with a straightforward compound structure that conveys virtues of bravery and helpfulness. In the United States, the name first appeared in Social Security records in 1978, a time when Japanese names were still unusual in American birth data. Its popularity peaked in 1993, likely influenced by characters in anime and manga that brought Japanese names to Western attention. Despite that spike, Yusuke has never entered the top 1000 national rankings, and as of 2025 its usage remains stable but extremely rare, with an incidence far less than 1 in 10,000 births. No U.S. state has recorded enough bearers to appear in the top-state lists. The name's steady, low-frequency trajectory suggests it remains a distinctive choice for families with Japanese heritage or a deep appreciation for Japanese culture.

Yusuke is a Japanese masculine given name written with various kanji combinations. A common spelling is from the elements 勇 (yu) meaning 'brave, courageous' and 助 (suke) meaning 'help, assistance'. The name has been in use since at least the 20th century and remains a familiar if not top-ranked choice in Japan.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Yu, Suke

Variants: Yusuke

Sibling names for Yusuke

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

Sisters: Yui, Sakura, Hana, Aoi, Miyu

Brothers: Kenji, Taro, Haruki, Sho, Ryo

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

Y is for Yusuke, our favorite little boy.

Y is for Yusuke…”

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

Make Yusuke's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Yusuke mean?
Yusuke is a Japanese name typically composed of elements meaning 'courageous' (yu) and 'help' (suke), so it is often interpreted as 'courageous help'. However, the exact meaning depends on the kanji used.
How popular is the name Yusuke currently?
According to U.S. Social Security data, Yusuke has never ranked in the top 1000 names for any year. It was first recorded in 1978 and saw its peak usage in 1993. As of 2025, it remains rare.
Is Yusuke typically a boy's or girl's name?
Yusuke is predominantly a masculine name in Japan. In the U.S. data, it is recorded for boys.