Yasuke

八介 or やすけ meaning 'eight' and 'help'
Japan origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#12179US 2023
6Births / yr
Rising
Top 9.0%Percentile
How to pronounce Yasuke
YAH·SOO·KE
/ˈjɑ.ˈsuː.ˈkɛ/ · stress on YAH · 3 syllables
八介 or やすけ meaning 'eight' and 'help'
Japan origin · Boy name

What does Yasuke mean and where does it come from?

Yasuke (八介) is most famously known as an African samurai who served under the Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga in the late 16th century. His arrival in Japan is generally believed to have occurred in 1579, and he was noted for being the first foreign-born samurai. His legacy has found representation in

Cultural significance
Yasuke has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of 八介 or やすけ meaning 'eight' and 'help'.
Peak popularity
Reached #9664 in 2021 — currently #12179 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Yasuke?

Yasuke works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Yasuke Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Yasuke Rose
Floral · soft ending
Yasuke Mae
Sweet · timeless
Yasuke Claire
French influence · crisp
Yasuke Jane
Literary · strong
Yasuke Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Yasuke
Browse ideas →

How popular is Yasuke right now?

Rising fast — up 88 spots — currently #12179 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20212023#12179 · Top 9.0%
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#121796▲ up 88
2022#122676▼ down 2603 · -25% births
2021#96648
💎Yasuke is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Yasuke?

Common
YasYasieYasyUke

Common questions about the name Yasuke

What does the name Yasuke mean?
Yasuke means "八介 or やすけ meaning 'eight' and 'help'" — a name rooted in Japan tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Yasuke?
Yasuke is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Yasuke?
Yasuke originates from Japan tradition. Japan names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Yasuke?
Yasuke is a three-syllable name pronounced Y AA1 S UW1 K EH1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Yasuke?
Yasuke pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Japan heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.