"to tie, to bind, connection"
Origin: Japanese kanji 結
Language: Japanese
Yui
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A gentle Japanese name meaning connection, unity, and belonging
Japanese
Elegant
Minimalist
Unique
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"only one, unique"
Origin: Japanese kanji 唯
Language: Japanese
"reason and clothing"
Origin: Japanese kanji 由衣
Language: Japanese
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The Story of Yui
Yui is a Japanese feminine name written with various kanji characters that shape its meaning. The most common writing uses the kanji 結 (yui, meaning to tie or bind), symbolizing connection and unity. Other writings include 唯 (only, solely) or 由衣 (reason and clothing/garment). In Japanese culture, the concept of yui (binding, connecting) is central to community and social bonds, making this a name rich with cultural resonance.
Yui has been a popular name in Japan, bolstered by its appearance in popular culture. Yui Yoshioka, the Japanese singer-songwriter known simply as YUI, brought international attention to the name in the 2000s with her folk-pop music. The name is also popular in anime, where characters named Yui appear in series like Sword Art Online.
In Japanese culture, the concept of binding and connecting (musubi or yui) is a sacred idea reflecting the interdependence of people and nature. Names meaning to tie or bind carry positive connotations of strong relationships and community.
Historical Record
Yui first appeared in US Social Security records in 1989.
Over 554 babies have been named Yui in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Yui is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #5,791 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The kanji 結 (yui) is also used in the word musubi, a core concept in Japanese mythology meaning binding the spirit of things
- Japanese singer YUI (born Yoshioka Yui, 1987) achieved international fame, making the name recognizable worldwide
- Yui is a common name in anime, including the protagonist of Angel Beats! and a character in Sword Art Online
Yui in Other Languages
Korean
유이 (Yui)
Chinese
瑜依 (Yu Yi)
Japanese
結 or 唯 or 由衣
Popularity Over Time
#5,791
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Yui
Y
Y
YUI (Yoshioka Yui)
Musician
1987
Japanese singer-songwriter known for folk-pop hits like Again and CHE.R.RY
Y
Yui (Sword Art Online) Fictional
Other
Beloved AI character from the anime series Sword Art Online who becomes a companion to the main characters
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Compare Yui with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,791
- Total SSA Count
- 22
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, minimalist style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, minimalist style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Yui
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Japanese)
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Tomi
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Yoruba origin
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#5,756 in US
Cana
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Greek transliteration origin
"zealous, zealot"
#5,592 in US
Kushana
Girl
Central Asian historical origin
"of the Kushan people"
#5,601 in US
Nezuko
Girl
Japanese (archaic reading) origin
"snow flower child"
#5,830 in US
Norie
Girl
Irish/Scottish origin
"honor, light"
#5,768 in US
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yui
What does the name Yui mean?
"to tie, to bind, connection" (from Japanese kanji 結). "only one, unique" (from Japanese kanji 唯). "reason and clothing" (from Japanese kanji 由衣). Yui is a Japanese feminine name written with various kanji characters that shape its meaning. The most common writing uses the kanji 結 (yui, meaning to tie or bind), symbolizing connection and unity. Other writings include 唯 (only, solely) or 由衣 (reason and clothing/garment). In Japanese culture, the concept of yui (binding, connecting) is central to community and social bonds, making this a name rich with cultural resonance.
What is the origin of the name Yui?
Yui has Japanese kanji 結, Japanese kanji 唯, Japanese kanji 由衣, and Japanese origins. In Japanese kanji 結, it means "to tie, to bind, connection". In Japanese kanji 唯, it means "only one, unique". In Japanese kanji 由衣, it means "reason and clothing".
Is Yui a boy or girl name?
Yui is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Yui?
Yui is currently ranked #5791 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Yui?
Popular middle name pairings include Yui Marie, Yui Rose, Yui Lin, Yui Mei, Yui Grace, and Yui Claire.
What are good sibling names for Yui?
Names that pair well with Yui as siblings include Riku, Hana, Sora, Nao, Rin, and Kai.
How many syllables does Yui have?
Yui has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Yui a common or rare name?
Yui is an uncommon name, ranked #5791 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Yui
Yui is a girl name with Japanese origins . The name means "to tie, to bind, connection" in Japanese kanji 結 .
Yui is currently ranked #5,791 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Yui has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis