Yuji

A boy's name of Japanese origin with 262 recorded U.S. births.

Boy's name#9831 in 2024Rising fast

Meaning & Origin

alternative form of 유지 (yuji, “retention”)

Yuji is a boy's baby name of Japanese origin, commonly written with characters meaning yu ('hero, brave') and ji ('two, second' or 'govern'), though many character combinations are possible. The meaning shifts with the kanji chosen, but typically suggests 'heroic' or 'second, brave son.'

With 262 recorded U.S. births, Yuji has gained pop culture recognition through the anime character Yuji Itadori, protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen, bringing the name considerable attention among anime-enthusiast parents in recent years.

EtymologyShow more

Yuji first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1972. First appearing in the 1970s, Yuji emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.

Its Japanese classification suggests a path from japanese linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.

At a Glance

262

Total births

Since 1972

1992

Peak

11 births

1972

First recorded

53 years of data

Compare Yuji with another name

Popularity Over Time

Yuji climbed 1494 spots in the last 20 years — from #11325 to #9831.

First appeared: 1972Peak: 1992 (11 births)Current: #9831

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Yuji
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	24	#9846	▼
2010s	54	#11337	▲
2000s	52	#11903	▼
1990s	58	#8175	—
1980s	58	#6444	▲
1970s	16	#6128	—

The Story of Yuji

A Millennial name

Peaking in 1992, Yuji is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Yuji are most likely born between 1982 and 2002.

How rare is Yuji?

Only about 1 in every 450,000 babies born in 2024 was named Yuji — a truly uncommon choice.

The journey through the decades

First appeared in the records in 1972, peaked in the 1980s with 58 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.

Yuji by the numbers

Would fill 5 school buses

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(40 years, 1972–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Yuji
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	8	#9831	-1 (-11.1%)
2022	9	#8955	+2 (28.6%)
2021	7	#10752	+2 (40.0%)
2019	5	#14062	0
2018	5	#14041	-2 (-28.6%)
2017	7	#10741	-1 (-12.5%)
2015	8	#9541	+2 (33.3%)
2014	6	#12070	-1 (-14.3%)
2013	7	#10701	0
2011	7	#10764	-2 (-22.2%)
2010	9	#8774	+4 (80.0%)
2009	5	#14466	0
2007	5	#14343	-3 (-37.5%)
2006	8	#9561	+2 (33.3%)
2005	6	#11442	0
2004	6	#11325	+1 (20.0%)
2003	5	#12725	-1 (-16.7%)
2002	6	#10641	0
2001	6	#10536	+1 (20.0%)
2000	5	#12091	0

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Yuji a boy's or girl's name?

Yuji is primarily a boy's name.

When was Yuji most popular?

Yuji reached its peak popularity in 1992 with 11 births that year. It is currently ranked #9831 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Yuji?

Yuji is currently ranked #9831 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 262 babies since 1972.

Explore More

By Length4-letter names By OriginJapanese names By EndingNames in -i TrendingRising names RankingsFull rankings

Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1972–2024