Find out how popular the first name Yui has been for the last 35 years (from 1989 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yui by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Yui is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 20 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yui.

The history of the first name Yui

The name Yui is a Japanese name that has its origins in the Japanese language. It is believed to have derived from the word "yu," which means "superior," and the word "i," which means "clothing" or "dress." The name Yui can therefore be interpreted to mean "superior clothing" or "superior dress."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yui dates back to the 8th century AD. It is found in the historical records of the Nara period (710-794 AD) in Japan, where it was used as a personal name for both men and women.

In Japanese mythology, Yui is also the name of a Shinto goddess associated with food, clothing, and shelter. She is often depicted as a young woman carrying a bundle of rice plants, representing the importance of agriculture in Japanese culture.

Notable historical figures with the name Yui include Yui no Shosokonoe (fl. 8th century AD), a Japanese noblewoman and poet who lived during the Nara period. Her poetry is included in the famous anthology of Japanese poetry, the Man'yōshū.

Another historical figure with the name Yui is Yui no Ozunu (fl. 10th century AD), a Japanese courtier and scholar who served during the Heian period (794-1185 AD). He was known for his expertise in Chinese literature and calligraphy.

In the 12th century, Yui no Sukemitsu (1114-1182) was a prominent Japanese Buddhist monk and poet who served as the head of the Tendai sect of Buddhism.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), Yui Shosetsu (1605-1651) was a Japanese scholar and writer known for his works on Confucian philosophy.

In more recent history, Yui Ritsuko (1921-2000) was a Japanese actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and television shows during the mid-20th century.

While these are just a few examples, the name Yui has been used throughout Japanese history by individuals from various walks of life, including nobility, scholars, artists, and religious figures.

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

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

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