A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Yves since 1916
Babies named Yves per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 5 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 56 |
| 1960s | 149 |
| 1970s | 175 |
| 1980s | 264 |
| 1990s | 178 |
| 2000s | 126 |
| 2010s | 131 |
| 2020s | 96 |
Meaning & origin
Yves is a classic French name with deep Germanic roots, meaning 'yew' or 'archer.' In the United States, its popularity peaked in 1985, but after a long decline it has been rising again since 2009. The name is most common in California. In 2025, Yves ranked 5,399 nationally, given to roughly 1 in 100,475 newborn boys. Its trajectory suggests a steady, if modest, revival. Though relatively rare for decades, Yves retains an air of Gallic sophistication and historical depth, linked to saints and notable figures in French culture. The name's resurgence may reflect a broader turn toward concise, traditional names with international appeal.
Yves is the French form of the Germanic name Ivo, derived from the element 'iv' meaning 'yew' (as in the tree). The yew tree was associated with archery, and the name was borne by several medieval saints, including Saint Yves of Brittany, the patron saint of lawyers. After a mid-century peak in France, the name declined but has seen a modern revival.
Where Yves is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Yves” around the world
Where Yves lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Yves
Names that share Yves's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Sophie, Camille, Chloe, Margot, Elise, Evonne, Helaine, Ivette, Ivon, Ivonne, Yvette, Yvonne, Ivone, Yevette, Youlanda, Yvetta, Yvonna, Yvonnie, Eyvette, Lyvonne, Yavonne, Yevonne, Yoland, Yuvonne, Yvett, Wyvonne, Yiselle, Yuette, Yvone
Brothers: Pierre, Louis, Antoine, Jean, Lucien, Alain, Herve, Didier, Yvon
