Yu Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Yu' originates from Chinese culture and can mean 'rain' or 'universe' depending on the characters used. It has evolved through various forms of the Chinese language and has historical significance. The name is associated with positive traits and has no biblical relevance. 'Yu' has been popular for many years, partly due to notable individuals bearing the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Yu"
Pronunciation
/juː/
Origin
Chinese
Etymology
The name 'Yu' can be derived from various Chinese characters with different meanings, such as '雨' meaning 'rain' or '宇' meaning 'universe'.
Meaning
rain; universe
Language Evolution
古汉语 (Old Chinese), 中世纪汉语 (Medieval Chinese), 现代汉语 (Modern Chinese)
Historical Usage
The name 'Yu' has been used in China for centuries and gained popularity due to its association with various historical figures and cultural significance.
Variants & Derivatives
Yuan, Yue, Yushi
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary society, 'Yu' is often perceived as a name representing strength, nature, and cultural heritage.
Famous People
Yu Yan, Yu Minhong, Yu Darvish
📊 Yu Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Yu Name Visualizations
✨ Yu Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 35 peak births in 2007
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Yu"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Yu"
"Yu" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7574th of 10718 | 21 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4853rd of 16616 | 152 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7018th of 24088 | 158 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 8125th of 23106 | 109 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 13555th of 19264 | 19 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 7866th of 27321 | 143 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 9034th of 35406 | 185 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 18115th of 30306 | 34 |
Regional Popularity of "Yu" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
67.73% 3031st/4475 |
- |
48.79% 3082nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
42.04% 2171st/5164 |
- | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
83.98% 3768th/4487 |
- | - |
Regional Popularity of "Yu" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
80.78% 3615th/4475 |
100.00% 5194th/5194 |
77.38% 4888th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
47.58% 2457th/5164 |
- |
100.00% 7463rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Yu"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Yu" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Yu" in the United States
The name Yu is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Yu has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Yu' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7574th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4853rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7018th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 8125th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 13555th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7866th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 9034th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 18115th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Yu' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.