Find out how popular the first name Yami has been for the last 10 years (from 2014 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yami by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Yami is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yami.

The history of the first name Yami

The name Yami originates from the Japanese language, with its roots traced back to the ancient Shinto religion and the worship of nature spirits called "kami." The name is derived from the word "yami," which means "darkness" or "night" in Japanese. It is believed that the name was initially given to children born at night or during a particularly dark phase of the moon.

In ancient Japanese folklore, Yami was often personified as a deity or kami associated with the night, shadows, and the mysteries of the universe. The name carried a sense of mystique and was believed to bestow protection and guidance upon those who bore it.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yami can be found in the Kojiki, an 8th-century Japanese chronicle that details the mythology and early history of Japan. The text mentions a legendary figure named Yami-no-Kami, who was revered as the primordial god of darkness and the night sky.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Yami:

1. Yami Gautama (c. 6th century BCE): An Indian philosopher and spiritual teacher, considered one of the principal disciples of the Buddha.
2. Yami Shunsuke (1794-1878): A Japanese samurai and military strategist who played a crucial role in the Boshin War, which led to the Meiji Restoration in Japan.
3. Yami Hiroshige (1797-1858): A celebrated Japanese ukiyo-e artist and one of the last great masters of the woodblock print tradition.
4. Yami Yukie (1925-2016): A renowned Japanese actress and singer, known for her roles in classic films such as "Tokyo Story" and "Late Autumn."
5. Yami Bhutia (born 1991): An Indian professional footballer who has represented the national team and has played for various clubs in India and abroad.

While the name Yami has its roots in Japanese culture, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, often with slightly different spellings or variations. However, the core meaning and significance of the name remain tied to its Japanese origins and the ancient reverence for the night and the mysteries of the cosmos.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Yami was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Yami, please contact us.

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