What does Yumi mean and where does it come from?
Yumi (由美 or 裕美 etc.) is a common Japanese name that can have various meanings based on the characters (kanji) used. The name was first recorded in Japan and has been popular since the 20th century. It is also associated with the traditional Japanese bow (弓, yumi), reflecting a blend of cultural mean
Cultural significance
Yumi has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of reason, beauty, or archery, depending on the kanji used.
Peak popularity
Reached #4174 in 2016 — currently #4106 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Yumi?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Yumi?
Yumi works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yumi Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Yumi Rose
Floral · soft ending
Yumi Claire
French influence · crisp
Yumi Jane
Literary · strong
Yumi Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Yumi right now?
Falling — down 691 spots — currently #4106 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4106 | 36 | ▼ down 691 · -23% births |
| 2022 | #3415 | 47 | ▲ up 255 · +12% births |
| 2021 | #3670 | 42 | ▲ up 976 · +50% births |
| 2020 | #4646 | 28 | ▲ up 109 · -3% births |
| 2015 | #4755 | 29 | ▲ up 1276 · +32% births |
| 2010 | #6031 | 22 | ▼ down 384 |
| 2005 | #5647 | 22 | ▲ up 5343 · +175% births |
| 2000 | #10990 | 8 | ▼ down 2707 · -20% births |
| 1995 | #8283 | 10 | ▼ down 2021 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #6262 | 14 | ▲ up 398 · +40% births |
| 1985 | #6660 | 10 | ▼ down 124 |
| 1980 | #6536 | 10 | ▲ up 2151 · +100% births |
| 1970 | #8687 | 5 | ▼ down 2308 · -17% births |
| 1965 | #6379 | 6 | ▲ up 951 · +20% births |
| 1960 | #7330 | 5 | — |
The story of Yumi
Yumi entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. With 784 total births recorded, Yumi remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7330 in 1960 to #4106 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Yumi in 2016:
Yumi by decade
Yumi peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 56 | |
| 1970s | 53 | |
| 1980s | 106 | |
| 1990s | 111 | |
| 2000s | 159 | |
| 2010s ★ | 271 | |
| 2020s | 28 | |
💎Yumi has only 784 total recorded births since 1960 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Yumi?
What names sound and feel like Yumi?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yumi also consider these
How is Yumi written in other languages?
弓, 由美, 友美, 弓美, etc.
Japanese Kanji
Common questions about the name Yumi
What does the name Yumi mean?
Yumi means "reason, beauty, or archery, depending on the kanji used" — 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 Yumi?
Yumi is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Yumi have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Yumi?
Yumi 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 Yumi?
Yumi is a two-syllable name pronounced Y UW1 M IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Yumi trending right now?
Yumi is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.