Yves

♀ Girl

Pronounced EEV /ˈiːv/High

Meaning: The French masculine name Yves, from a Germanic root iv/iwa, 'yew' — the tree used for bows. It is worn famously by the designer Yves Saint Laurent. In French it is unambiguously a man's name; the feminine forms are Yvette and Yvonne. Used here for a girl, and we flag the cross-sex lean clearly.Medium

In 30 seconds: A single elegant beat: Yves means 'yew' (said 'EEV'). In French it is a man's name — the feminine forms are Yvette and Yvonne, which we flag clearly.

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Origin HighFrench, Germanic

MeaningThe French masculine name Yves, from a Germanic root iv/iwa, 'yew' — the tree used for bows. It is worn famously by the designer Yves Saint Laurent. In French it is unambiguously a man's name; the feminine forms are Yvette and Yvonne. Used here for a girl, and we flag the cross-sex lean clearly.

U.S. rank (2024)#15182 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 50

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Yves comes from a Germanic root for 'yew' — the tree prized for bows — and settled into French as a man's name, borne by St Ives of Brittany and, in modern memory, by Yves Saint Laurent. In French it is masculine without ambiguity; Yvette and Yvonne are its feminine forms. Used here for a girl, it is a distinct cross-sex choice, which we flag clearly so families decide with open eyes (said 'EEV').

For girls it appears very rarely in the U.S., against established masculine use in France. Rare for girls, chic, and boy-leaning.

Did you know? Yves is the French masculine name meaning 'yew,' the wood of bows — carried worldwide by the designer Yves Saint Laurent. Its feminine counterparts are Yvette and Yvonne, so using it for a girl is a clear cross-sex choice, which we note plainly (said 'EEV').

Overall data confidence 65%

References — Yves — French masculine name; Germanic 'yew'; fem. Yvette/Yvonne

Variations

YvetteYvonneIves

Nicknames

ViEvie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Yves…

Yvette— the established feminine form

Yvonne— the other feminine counterpart

Eve— a like single-beat name in sound

Ivy— a like plant-rooted pick

Explore names like Yves

By themenature french cross-sex unisex-lean-boy

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Yves mean?

Yves is French, from a Germanic root meaning 'yew' — the tree used for making bows.

How do you pronounce Yves?

It's said EEV /ˈiːv/ — one syllable; the Y and the s are silent.

Is Yves a boy or girl name?

In French, Yves is a man's name — the feminine forms are Yvette and Yvonne. It is used here for a girl, and we flag that cross-sex lean clearly.

How popular is Yves?

Yves is very rare for girls in the U.S. and far better established as a masculine name in France.