"lily (flower)"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Yuri
Pronunciation: [ y-OOR-ee ]
Does Yuri flow with your last name?
The Japanese lily — pure, elegant, and quietly powerful
Japanese
Korean
Russian
Slavic
Unique
Gentle
Elegant
Earthy
Spiritual
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Meaning & Origin
"glass, crystal"
Origin: Korean
Language: Korean
"farmer (Slavic masculine form)"
Origin: Greek via Slavic
Language: Russian
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Yuri Gagarin (space), Yuri (Russian) context
The Story of Yuri
Yuri has two distinct origins. In Japanese, Yuri (百合) means lily, one of Japan's most beloved flowers, symbolizing purity and refined beauty. As a girl's name it is one of Japan's most classic feminine names. In Slavic languages (Russian, Ukrainian), Yuri (Юрий) is a masculine name meaning farmer, derived from the Greek Georgios (George). The identical spelling covers two entirely different names, cultures, and genders — making context essential.
As a girls name, Yuri is primarily found in Japan and Korea (Yuri Hangul: 유리 meaning glass/crystal). It gained some Western visibility through anime characters named Yuri, particularly in yuri genre anime (girls love). The 2017 anime Yuri on Ice sparked broader interest in the name.
In Japan, the lily (yuri) is deeply embedded in cultural symbolism — representing purity, renewal, and elegance. The name is also associated with the yuri genre of Japanese media depicting female relationships. In Russian, Yuri carries the weight of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space.
Historical Record
Yuri first appeared in US Social Security records in 1967.
Over 3,571 babies have been named Yuri in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Yuri is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,494 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space on April 12, 1961 — one of the most famous bearers of the Slavic form
- In Japan, lily flowers are used in Buddhist ceremonies and represent purity and renewal
- The anime Yuri on Ice (2016) helped bring the name to international attention among younger parents
Yuri in Other Languages
Korean
유리 (glass/crystal)
Chinese
百合 (lily)
Russian
Юрий (farmer, masculine)
Japanese
百合 (lily)
Popularity Over Time
#1,494
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Yuri
Y
Yuri (singer)
Musician
1988
South Korean singer and member of the K-pop group Girls Generation (SNSD)
Y
Yuri Gagarin
Explorer
1934
Soviet cosmonaut who became the first human to journey into outer space on April 12, 1961
Y
Yuri Katsuki Fictional
Other
Protagonist of the beloved 2016 anime Yuri on Ice, an elite figure skater whose story popularized the name international...
Protagonist of the beloved 2016 anime Yuri on Ice, an elite figure skater whose story popularized the name internationally
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Compare Yuri with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,494
- Total SSA Count
- 146
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese Korean Russian Slavic
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Yu
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, unique style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Yuri
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Yuri is also used as a boy name, ranked #1792.
View Yuri as a boy name →Similar Names
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Latin / Greek origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yuri
What does the name Yuri mean?
"lily (flower)" (from Japanese). "glass, crystal" (from Korean). "farmer (Slavic masculine form)" (from Greek via Slavic). Yuri has two distinct origins. In Japanese, Yuri (百合) means lily, one of Japan's most beloved flowers, symbolizing purity and refined beauty. As a girl's name it is one of Japan's most classic feminine names. In Slavic languages (Russian, Ukrainian), Yuri (Юрий) is a masculine name meaning farmer, derived from the Greek Georgios (George). The identical spelling covers two entirely different names, cultures, and genders — making context essential.
What is the origin of the name Yuri?
Yuri has Japanese, Korean, Greek via Slavic, Russian, and Slavic origins. In Japanese, it means "lily (flower)". In Korean, it means "glass, crystal". In Greek via Slavic, it means "farmer (Slavic masculine form)".
Is Yuri a boy or girl name?
Yuri is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1494. As a boy name, it is ranked #1792. Yuri is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Yuri?
Yuri is pronounced y-OOR-ee.
How popular is the name Yuri?
Yuri is currently ranked #1494 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Yuri?
Popular middle name pairings include Yuri Hana, Yuri Mei, Yuri Sofia, Yuri Elise, Yuri Rose, Yuri Amara, and Yuri Jade.
What are good sibling names for Yuri?
Names that pair well with Yuri as siblings include Hana, Sakura, Mei, Kenji, Hiro, Nami, and Sora.
How many syllables does Yuri have?
Yuri has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Yuri a common or rare name?
Yuri is an uncommon name, ranked #1494 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Yuri?
Are there other spellings for Yuri?
Related spellings include Yuritzi.
About the Name Yuri
Yuri is a girl name with Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Slavic origins . The name means "lily (flower)" in Japanese .
Is Yuri a boy or girl name? Yuri is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,494 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,792. Yuri is more commonly used as a girl name.
Yuri is currently ranked #1,494 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Yuri has 2 syllables and is pronounced y-OOR-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Yuri include Yu. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Yuri include Yuritzi . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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