Welcome to our full list of biblical names that begin with the letter ‘Y’, including people and places. Head over to our A-Z directory hub for more.
Disclaimer: The list contains the most commonly accepted meanings of names. However, scholars still debate over the definitions of some of them. New findings may change our understanding.
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1. Yahweh
Original (Hebrew): יהוה (YHWH)
Meaning: The name of God, often translated as “LORD” (in all capitals) in English Bibles. The exact pronunciation is uncertain, but it is related to the verb “to be” and signifies God’s self-existence and covenant faithfulness.
First Appearance: Genesis 2:4
Description: This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. It is considered so sacred that many Jews do not pronounce it, substituting “Adonai” (Lord) instead. The name reveals God as the self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping God of Israel.
2. Yaziz
Original (Hebrew): יָזִיז (Yāzîz)
Meaning: “He will make go forth” or “he will lead out”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 27:31
Description: A Hagrite, overseer of David‘s flocks.
3. Yedaiah
Original (Hebrew): יְדַעְיָה
Meaning: “Yahweh Knows”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 4:37
Description: A Simeonite, and father of Ziza.
4. Yehoshua
Original (Hebrew): יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yəhôšûaʿ)
Meaning: “Yahweh is salvation” or “Yahweh saves”
First Appearance: Exodus 17:9
Description: The original Hebrew form of Joshua.
5. Yehoshuah
Original (Hebrew): יְהוֹשׁוּעַ
Meaning: “Yahweh is salvation” or “Yahweh saves”
First Appearance: Numbers 13:16
Description: An alternate spelling of Jehoshua, the original Hebrew form of Joshua.
6. Yerah
Original (Hebrew): יֶ֫רַח
Meaning: “Moon” or “month”
First Appearance: Genesis 10:26
Description: A son of Joktan.
7. Yeshua
Original (Hebrew): יֵשׁוּעַ (Yēšûaʿ)
Meaning: “He will save” or “Yahweh is salvation”
First Appearance: Matthew 1:1 (as “Jesus,” the Greek form of the name)
Description: This is the Hebrew name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Messiah. The name itself reveals His divine mission: to save His people from their sins. As Christians, we know that Yeshua is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the one who brings salvation to the world.
8. Yiron
Original (Hebrew): יִרְאוֹן
Meaning: “Fear” or “reverence”
First Appearance: Joshua 19:38
Description: A fortified city in Naphtali.
9. Yishai
Original (Hebrew): יִשַׁי
Meaning: “God exists” or “gift”
First Appearance: 1 Samuel 16:1
Description: Jesse in Hebrew, father of King David.
10. Yishbak
Original (Hebrew): יִשְׁבָּק
Meaning: “He will leave” or “he will release”
First Appearance: Genesis 25:2 KJV
Description: KJV form of Ishbak.
11. Yishmael
Original (Hebrew): יִשְׁמָעֵאל
Meaning: “God Hears”
First Appearance: Genesis 16:15 KJV
Description: KJV form of Ishmael.
12. Yishmaiyahu
Original (Hebrew): יִשְׁמַעְיָה
Meaning: “God hears” or “Heard by God”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 12:4 KJV
Description: KJV form of Ishmaiah.
13. Yissachar
Original (Hebrew): יִשָּׂשכָר
Meaning: Possibly, “there is a reward,” or, “he will bring a reward.”
First Appearance: Genesis 30:18
Description: Another way of spelling Issachar, son of Jacob.
14. Yizre’el
Original (Hebrew): יִזְרְעֶאל
Meaning: “God sows” or “God will sow”
First Appearance: Joshua 15:56 KJV
Description: KJV form of Jezreel.
15. Yozer
Original (Hebrew): יֹעֶזֶר
Meaning: “God is help”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 4:4 KJV
Description: KJV Form of Joezer.