Yves

“yew”

France origin · Unisex name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#7276US 2023

12Births / yr

↓Falling

1.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 198000

How to pronounce Yves

EEV

/ˈiːv/ · stress on EEV · 1 syllable

“yew”

France origin · Unisex name

What does Yves mean and where does it come from?

Yves is traditionally a male name of French origin, derived from the Old Breton name Iod, which means ‘yew’ tree. However, in modern contexts, Yves is emerging as a gender-neutral name and is increasingly being used for females. The name holds cultural significance in France and often signifies resi

Cultural significance

Yves has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of yew.

Peak popularity

Reached #6913 in 1980 — currently #7276 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Yves?

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

Yves Grace

How popular is Yves right now?

Declining — down 33 spots — currently #7276 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#7276 · Top 5.4%

1980

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#7276	12	▼ down 33
2022	#7243	12	▼ down 2884 · -50% births
2021	#4359	24	▲ up 7575 · +200% births
2015	#11934	8	▼ down 5021 · -11% births
1980	#6913	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Yves

Best Year2021Rank #4359

Peak Count24

Average Rank#7545

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1980 - 20235 years

The story of Yves

Yves is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1980. With 1,148 total births recorded, Yves remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6913 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7276 in 2023. Yves is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.

Names that peaked alongside Yves in 1980:

Jennifer Amanda Jessica Melissa Sarah

Yves by decade

Yves peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	5
1920s	5
1930s	5
1940s	12
1950s	56
1960s	146
1970s	175
1980s ★	277
1990s	185
2000s	126
2010s	143
2020s	13

💎With 1,148 total births, Yves is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Yves?

FRENCH

Yvon

BULGARIAN

Ivet

CROATIAN

Ivona

CZECH

IvaIvetaIvkaIvona

What names sound and feel like Yves?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yves also consider these

Yvens

France · Yew tree; archer

Yve

English · A meaningful name

Yveth

France · Yew tree

Ives

United Kingdom · Old French

Ynes

Spain · pure

Aves

Latin · Meaning 'bird'.

Rives

France · Rives can refer

Myles

English · soldier

How is Yves written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Yves

What does the name Yves mean?

Yves means "yew" — a name rooted in France 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 Yves?

Yves 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 Yves?

Yves originates from France tradition. France 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 Yves?

Yves is a one-syllable name pronounced IY1 V. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Yves sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Yves flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Yves ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.