Find out how popular the first name Yen has been for the last 48 years (from 1975 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yen by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Yen is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 92% of people named Yen being female.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yen.

The history of the first name Yen

The name Yen originates from the Chinese language and has its roots in the ancient Chinese culture. It is believed to have derived from the Chinese word "yuán," which means "source" or "origin." The name's earliest recorded use dates back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC - 256 BC) in ancient China.

During the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), the name Yen gained popularity among the Chinese nobility and scholars. It was often associated with individuals who were considered intellectuals or philosophers. One notable figure from this period was Yen Hui, a prominent philosopher and devoted student of Confucius.

In ancient Chinese literature, the name Yen appeared in various philosophical and historical texts, including the Analects of Confucius. This further solidified its reputation as a name associated with wisdom and scholarly pursuits.

As the Chinese culture spread across Asia, the name Yen also found its way into other regions, such as Japan and Korea. In Japan, the name was transcribed as "En," and it maintained a similar meaning of "source" or "origin."

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Yen. One of the earliest recorded figures was Yen Huan (fl. 715-785 AD), a renowned Chinese calligrapher and poet during the Tang Dynasty. Another prominent individual was Yen Ying (c. 574-645 AD), a high-ranking minister and chancellor during the Tang Dynasty.

In more recent times, Yen Fu (1854-1921) was a prominent Chinese scholar and translator who introduced Western philosophical works to China. He played a significant role in the intellectual and cultural renaissance of the late Qing Dynasty.

Yen Hsi-shan (1883-1949) was a Chinese warlord and military leader who controlled the Shanxi province during the early 20th century. He played a crucial role in the complex political dynamics of that era.

Yen Baet (1920-2012) was a renowned Dutch artist and sculptor known for his abstract and minimalist works. His contributions to the art world spanned several decades, and he gained international recognition for his unique style.

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 Yen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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