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Home › Baby Names Directory › Yves

Yves

♂ Boy

Pronounced EEV /ˈiv/Medium

Meaning: French form of Ivo — from Germanic iv, 'yew' (the wood for bows) — 'yew; an archer'Medium

In 30 seconds: Yew; an archer: Yves is the French Ivo — 'yew'. Chic, classic, and warm (said 'EEV').
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Origin MediumGerman, French
MeaningFrench form of Ivo — from Germanic iv, 'yew' (the wood for bows) — 'yew; an archer'
U.S. rank (2025)#5598 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1985
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,201

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198519162025

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 is the French form of Ivo — from Germanic iv, 'yew' (the resilient wood used for longbows, hence 'an archer, a bowman'). Borne by St Yves of Brittany (patron of lawyers) and the designer Yves Saint Laurent. A chic, classic French name (said 'EEV', one syllable).

In the U.S. it appears in French and Haitian families. Rare, yew-an-archer at the root, and chic.

Did you know? Yves means 'yew' (Germanic iv; the wood prized for bows, hence 'an archer') — the French form of Ivo (St Yves, patron of lawyers; designer Yves Saint Laurent); chic and classic (said 'EEV').
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name — Yves — etymology

Variations

IvoYvonIves

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Yves…

Ivo— a fellow yew-rooted name
Gael— another chic French boys' name
Jacques— another French name
Wilkes— a similarly popular pick
Hughes— another German name

Explore names like Yves

By themefrenchgermansaint
By meaningEarth / Nature

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Yves mean?

Yves is the French Ivo — Germanic 'yew' (the bow-wood; hence 'an archer').

How do you pronounce Yves?

It's said EEV /ˈiv/ — a single syllable.

Is Yves a boy or girl name?

Yves is a boy's name.

How popular is Yves?

Yves is a rare name in the U.S.

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