Yuma Unisex

Popularity: #928 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: YOO-ma /juːmə/

Origin: Japanese; Native American

Meaning: Japanese: 'to be superior'; Native American: 'the one who is brave'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Yuma has its roots in the Native American languages, particularly from the Quechan (or Yuma) tribe located in the southwestern United States, near the Colorado River. The etymology of Yuma is often interpreted to mean "son of the chief" or "the brave" in the context of the Quechan language.

This name reflects the cultural significance of leadership and valor within the tribal community. The term was adopted into English through interactions and documentation of Native American cultures, particularly during the 19th century as European settlers and explorers began to record the languages and names of indigenous peoples.

Historically, the Yuma tribe has been recognized since at least the 18th century, with Spanish explorers and missionaries documenting their presence in the region. The establishment of Fort Yuma in 1850 further solidified the name's association with the area, as it served as a military outpost and a point of contact between Native Americans and settlers.

The name Yuma has also been referenced in various literary and historical texts, contributing to its recognition beyond the immediate geographical area. Culturally, the name Yuma carries connotations of strength and resilience, embodying the spirit of the indigenous peoples of the American Southwest.

It is often associated with themes of nature and the landscape of the region, reflecting the deep connection that Native American tribes have with their environment. The name's enduring presence in cultural narratives and its representation in various forms of media underscore its significance as a symbol of heritage and identity.

While diminutive forms or variations may exist, Yuma remains a distinct and meaningful name rooted in the history and traditions of the Quechan tribe.

Famous people named Yuma

In this section, you will find notable people named Yuma. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Yuma who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Yuma who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Yuma Asami is a former actress and singer best known for her work in Japanese film and television.

Yuma Nakayama is a singer and actor best known for his role in the Japanese boy band Hey! Say! JUMP and the drama series Scrap Teacher.

Fictional characters named Yuma

The following list of fictional characters named Yuma is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

Yuma Tsukumo is a fictional character from the anime and manga series Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal. He is the main protagonist who battles in Duel Monsters to protect his friends and the world from various threats.

Yuma is a fictional character from the video game series Danganronpa. They are a student at Hope's Peak Academy and play a significant role in the narrative surrounding the killing game.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Yuma, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Yuma. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Yuma was first seen in the United States in 1974.

Yuma has ranked as high as #9313 nationally, which occurred in 2008, and has been most popular in California, and New York.

In the past 5 years the name Yuma has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Yuma is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Yuma was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Yuma.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 15 10 5
2024 6 0 6
2023 12 12 0
2022 17 11 6
2021 10 10 0
2020 15 15 0
2019 18 13 5
2018 20 13 7
2017 18 13 5
2016 23 14 9
2015 21 16 5
2014 21 21 0
2013 17 17 0
2012 9 9 0
2011 16 11 5
2010 16 11 5
2009 16 16 0
2008 25 19 6
2007 14 7 7
2006 19 10 9
2005 7 7 0
2004 16 9 7
2003 5 5 0
2002 9 9 0
2001 8 8 0
2000 18 10 8
1999 8 8 0
1998 8 8 0
1997 9 9 0
1996 8 0 8
1995 9 9 0
1994 6 6 0
1993 7 7 0
1990 8 8 0
1974 6 6 0

Top States for Yuma (2019)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
CA 5
100%