Yen is a unisex given name of Asian origin. It is derived from the Vietnamese name "Yên," which means "peaceful" or "tranquil." The name Yen is also used in other Asian cultures, such as Chinese and Korean, where it has similar meanings related to peace, calmness, and relaxation.
The name Yen gained popularity in Western countries during the mid-20th century, likely due to increased exposure to Vietnamese culture following the Vietnam War. Today, Yen is still a popular choice for parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children.
Despite its popularity, Yen remains relatively uncommon compared to more traditional given names, making it an appealing option for those seeking a distinctive name with a positive meaning. Whether used as a first or middle name, Yen carries the beautiful connotation of peace and tranquility, making it an excellent choice for parents who wish to bestow their child with a meaningful moniker rooted in Asian culture.
The name Yen has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past four decades in the United States. According to available statistics, there were 6 babies named Yen in 1984, followed by another 6 in 1986. The number of births then increased slightly to 7 in both 1988 and 1990.
However, after these peaks, the popularity of the name Yen started to decline. There were only 6 births in 1999, which is a significant decrease compared to the earlier years. This downward trend continued into the early 2000s with 5 births recorded each year for both 2003 and 2005.
Interestingly, there was another slight increase in popularity in recent times, with 5 babies named Yen being born in 2019. Overall, over these four decades, a total of 47 children were given the name Yen at birth in the United States.