"yew wood, yew tree"
Yvonne
Pronunciation: [ ihv-AHN ]
A French mid-century classic meaning yew tree archer
Meaning & Origin
"archer"
The Story of Yvonne
Yvonne is a French feminine form of Yves, derived from the Germanic element iv meaning yew tree or yew wood. Yew wood was prized for making longbows, so names from this root carry the connotation of an archer or bowman. The name entered English through French Norman influence.
Yvonne peaked in popularity in English-speaking countries in the 1940s through 1960s, carried by French glamour associated with the postwar era. It has declined as newer names became fashionable, and now has a vintage appeal.
In France, Yves and Yvonne are classic names tied to Breton and Norman heritage. Yvonne de Gaulle, wife of President Charles de Gaulle, was known for her dignified reserve, which shaped the names public image in France.
Fun Facts
- Yvonne de Gaulle was so famously reserved that she inspired a satirical book imagining her inner life
- The name Yves is connected to the patron saint of lawyers, Saint Yves of Brittany
Yvonne in Other Languages
Famous People Named Yvonne
Yvonne Strahovski
Actor
1982
Australian actress known for Chuck and The Handmaids Tale
Yvonne Craig
Actor
1937
American actress and ballet dancer known for playing Batgirl in the 1960s Batman television series
Yvonne de Carlo
Actor
1922
Canadian-American actress known for The Munsters TV show and The Ten Commandments
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,299
- Total SSA Count
- 80
- Cultural Origins
- French English Welsh German
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Yvonne is also used as a boy name, ranked #32081.
View Yvonne as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yvonne
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About the Name Yvonne
Yvonne is a girl name with French, English, Welsh, and German origins . The name means "yew wood, yew tree" in Germanic iv .
Is Yvonne a boy or girl name? Yvonne is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,299 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #32,081. Yvonne is more commonly used as a girl name.
Yvonne is currently ranked #2,299 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Yvonne has 2 syllables and is pronounced ihv-AHN, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Yvonne include Vonnie and Von. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.