What does Yuji mean and where does it come from?
Yuji (雄二 or 裕二) is a common masculine name in Japan. It can have various kanji characters that give it different meanings, typically associated with strength (雄) or richness (裕). The name is traditionally given to the second son in a family. It has been popular in Japan and is often seen in contempo
Cultural significance
Yuji has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japanese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of second, second son applied in names as yuji.
Peak popularity
Reached #4898 in 1982 — currently #8955 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japanese-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Yuji?
Yuji works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yuji Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Yuji Rose
Floral · soft ending
Yuji Claire
French influence · crisp
Yuji Jane
Literary · strong
Yuji Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Yuji right now?
Rising fast — up 1797 spots — currently #8955 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #8955 | 9 | ▲ up 1797 · +29% births |
| 2021 | #10752 | 7 | ▼ down 1782 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #8970 | 8 | ▼ down 653 · -11% births |
| 2010 | #8317 | 9 | ▲ up 2181 · +50% births |
| 2005 | #10498 | 6 | ▲ up 301 · +20% births |
| 2000 | #10799 | 5 | ▼ down 4148 · -37% births |
| 1995 | #6651 | 8 | ▲ up 454 · +60% births |
| 1985 | #7105 | 5 | — |
The story of Yuji
Yuji is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1972. With 238 total births recorded, Yuji remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7105 in 1985, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8955 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Yuji in 1982:
Yuji by decade
Yuji peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 16 | |
| 1980s ★ | 58 | |
| 1990s | 58 | |
| 2000s | 52 | |
| 2010s | 54 | |
💎Yuji has only 238 total recorded births since 1972 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Yuji?
What names sound and feel like Yuji?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yuji also consider these
Common questions about the name Yuji
What does the name Yuji mean?
Yuji means "second, second son applied in names as Yuji" — a name rooted in Japanese 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 Yuji?
Yuji is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Yuji have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Yuji?
Yuji originates from Japanese tradition. Japanese 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 Yuji?
Yuji is a two-syllable name pronounced Y UW1 JH IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Yuji trending right now?
Yuji is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.