Yori is a name of Japanese origin, derived from the kanji characters "用" (yō) and "理" (ri). The character "用" means "to use" or "useful," while "理" signifies "reason" or "principle." Therefore, the name Yori can be interpreted to mean "reasonably useful" or "principled usefulness."
The name Yori has a rich history in Japanese culture. It was often used for both male and female children in ancient Japan. In fact, there are several notable figures throughout Japanese history who bore this name. For example, Yoritomo Minamoto (1147-1199), the first Shogun of Japan, is sometimes referred to simply as Yori.
In modern times, Yori remains a popular name in Japan but has also gained recognition internationally due to its unique sound and meaningful connotation. It continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its blend of traditional cultural significance with a contemporary appeal.
The name Yori has seen a varied but steady presence in the United States over the past two decades, with a total of 77 babies being named Yori since 2002.
From 2002 to 2010, there were periods where the number of births with the name Yori remained relatively stable. In those years, between 5 and 7 births occurred annually. However, there was a notable increase in 2021, with 12 babies named Yori, which is the highest number recorded during this period.
After a slight decrease to 7 births in 2022, the number of newborns named Yori rose again in 2023, with 9 births recorded. This recent trend suggests that the name Yori may be gaining some popularity among parents in the United States.
Despite fluctuations in its frequency over the years, the name Yori has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in the US, with an average of approximately 4 babies being named Yori each year since 2002.