What does Yuma mean and where does it come from?
Yuma serves as both a name and a geographical reference to the Yuma tribe of Native Americans in Arizona and California. In Japan, Yuma can be given to girls and the meaning varies based on the kanji (characters) used. It is an uncommon name, but has cultural significance in both contexts.
Cultural significance
Yuma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japanese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of japanese.
Peak popularity
Reached #9991 in 1996 — currently #17211 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japanese-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Yuma?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Yuma?
Yuma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yuma Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Yuma John
One syllable · timeless choice
Yuma Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Yuma Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Yuma Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Yuma Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Yuma right now?
Falling — down 1985 spots — currently #17211 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #17211 | 5 | ▼ down 1985 · -17% births |
| 2024 | #15226 | 6 | ▼ down 7951 · -50% births |
| 2023 | #7275 | 12 | ▲ up 472 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #7747 | 11 | ▲ up 388 · +10% births |
| 2021 | #8135 | 10 | ▲ up 8845 · +100% births |
| 2015 | #16980 | 5 | ▲ up 559 |
| 2010 | #17539 | 5 | ▼ down 6421 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #11118 | 8 | — |
The story of Yuma
Yuma is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1996. With 400 total births recorded, Yuma remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11118 in 2000 to #7275 in 2023. Yuma is used for both genders: 22% female and 78% male.
Names that peaked alongside Yuma in 1996:
Yuma by decade
Yuma peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 6 | |
| 1990s | 63 | |
| 2000s | 137 | |
| 2010s ★ | 179 | |
| 2020s | 36 | |
💎Yuma has only 400 total recorded births since 1996 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Yuma?
What names sound and feel like Yuma?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yuma also consider these
Common questions about the name Yuma
What does the name Yuma mean?
Yuma means "Japanese" — 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 Yuma?
Yuma is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby 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 Yuma?
Yuma 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 Yuma?
Yuma is a two-syllable name pronounced YOO-muh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Yuma a common or rare name?
Yuma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.