Find out how popular the first name Yumi has been for the last 48 years (from 1977 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yumi by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Yumi is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 53 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yumi.

The history of the first name Yumi

The name Yumi is believed to have originated from Japan, where it is a feminine name with multiple meanings and origins. One possible derivation is from the Japanese word "yumi," which means "bow" or "archery bow," symbolizing strength and skill. Another potential origin is from the combination of the Japanese words "yu" (superiority or gentleness) and "mi" (beauty or fruit), suggesting a name with connotations of elegance and grace.

In Japanese culture, the name Yumi has been associated with various historical figures and literary works. One notable mention is in the Genji Monogatari, a classical Japanese novel written in the early 11th century, where a character named Yumi is described as a talented poet and calligrapher.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Yumi can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE) in Japan. During this time, aristocratic families often chose names with poetic or symbolic meanings, reflecting the cultural values of the era.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Yumi was Yumi no Tsubone (962-1014 CE), a Japanese lady-in-waiting and waka poet who served at the imperial court during the late Heian period. Her poetry was highly regarded and included in several prestigious anthologies.

In the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE), Yumi no Naishi (dates unknown) was a renowned Buddhist nun and calligrapher who was admired for her artistic talents and spiritual devotion.

During the Edo period (1603-1868 CE), Yumi Kuwayama (1619-1696) was a respected female samurai and martial artist known for her expertise in naginata (a Japanese pole weapon) and her role in defending her domain.

In the modern era, notable individuals with the name Yumi include Yumi Matsutoya (born 1957), a popular Japanese singer and songwriter known for her contributions to the City Pop genre, and Yumi Zouma (formed 2014), an indie pop band from New Zealand named after the hurricane that struck the country in 2005.

These are just a few examples of the rich history and cultural significance associated with the name Yumi, which has been carried by influential figures across various disciplines throughout Japanese history and beyond.

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

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

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