Proper Nouns That Start with Y are diverse and fascinating, spanning names of people, places, brands, historical events, and more. This collection highlights over 200 unique proper nouns beginning with the letter “Y,” showcasing the richness of language and global culture. From iconic figures like Yuri Gagarin to famous landmarks such as Yellowstone, and from global brands like Yamaha to vibrant cities like Yokohama, these nouns reflect the breadth of human experience.
Learning proper nouns that start with “Y” enhances vocabulary, improves communication, and deepens cultural awareness, making it an engaging journey through names that shape our world.
Famous People Named Proper Nouns That Start with “Y”
- Yanni – Yanni is a famous Greek composer known for his instrumental music.
- Yara – Yara is a talented actress featured in many television dramas.
- Yasir – Yasir was elected as the president of the student council.
- Yoko – Yoko Ono is a renowned artist and peace activist.
- Yusuf – Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, is a celebrated musician.
- Yvette – Yvette attended the international conference in Paris.
- Yul – Yul Brynner was known for his role in “The King and I.”
- Yohan – Yohan is a professional athlete competing globally.
- Yasmine – Yasmine’s photography exhibit attracted a large audience.
- Yarden – Yarden delivered an inspiring speech at the seminar.
- Yasmin – Yasmin won the award for best new author.
- Yasir Arafat – Yasir Arafat was a prominent political leader in the Middle East.
- Yancy – Yancy is known for his creative writing skills.
- Yazmin – Yazmin has a popular fashion blog.
- Yohan Blake – Yohan Blake is a world-class Jamaican sprinter.
- Yehudi – Yehudi Menuhin was an extraordinary violinist.
- Yulia – Yulia is leading a team of researchers in environmental studies.
- Yosef – Yosef was honored for his contributions to science.
- Yitzhak – Yitzhak Rabin played a key role in peace negotiations.
- Yancey – Yancey is a renowned historian with several published works.
Cities and Towns Starting Proper Nouns That Start with “Y”
- Yokosuka – Yokosuka hosts a major naval base in Japan.
- Yinchuan – Yinchuan is the capital of Ningxia in China.
- Yamagata – Yamagata is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan.
- Yamuna Nagar – Yamuna Nagar is an industrial city in Haryana, India.
- Yarmouth – Yarmouth is a historic port town in Nova Scotia, Canada.
- Yass – Yass is a small town in New South Wales, Australia.
- Yeosu – Yeosu is a coastal city famous for its marine life in South Korea.
- Ylivieska – Ylivieska is a town located in Finland.
- Yekaterinburg – Yekaterinburg is a major city in Russia’s Ural region.
- Ypsilanti – Ypsilanti is known for its cultural festivals in Michigan, USA.
- Yangon – Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar.
- Yalova – Yalova is a Turkish city famous for its thermal baths.
- Yuba City – Yuba City is an agricultural hub in California, USA.
- Yei – Yei is a town in South Sudan known for its markets.
- Yellapur – Yellapur is a picturesque town in Karnataka, India.
- Yibin – Yibin is a city at the confluence of rivers in China.
- Yarraville – Yarraville is a trendy suburb of Melbourne, Australia.
- Yambio – Yambio is the capital of Western Equatoria in South Sudan.
- Yokote – Yokote is renowned for its snow festival in Japan.
- Yekepa – Yekepa is a mining town in Liberia.
Countries and Regions Starting Proper Nouns That Start with “Y”
- Yemen – Yemen is located on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.
- Yugoslavia – Yugoslavia was a former country in Southeast Europe.
- Yala Province – Yala Province is in southern Thailand, near the Malaysian border.
- Yukon – Yukon is a vast, rugged territory in northwestern Canada.
- Yunnan – Yunnan is a province in southwestern China known for its diverse culture.
- Yorkshire – Yorkshire is a historic county in northern England.
- Yaroslavl Oblast – Yaroslavl Oblast is a region in Russia with rich history.
- Yamaguchi Prefecture – Yamaguchi Prefecture is in Japan, famous for its scenic beauty.
- Yazd Province – Yazd Province is an arid region in central Iran.
- Yaeyama Islands – Yaeyama Islands are a tropical paradise in Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture.
- Yap – Yap is one of the four states of Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean.
- Yerevan District – Yerevan District forms the administrative center of Armenia.
- Yongin-si – Yongin-si is a dynamic region in South Korea.
- Yamanashi Prefecture – Yamanashi Prefecture is home to Mount Fuji in Japan.
- Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta – Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is a vast region in Alaska, USA.
- Yolo County – Yolo County is an agricultural area in California, USA.
- Yazoo County – Yazoo County is located in Mississippi, USA.
- Yap State – Yap State is known for its traditional culture in Micronesia.
- Ylivieska Region – Ylivieska Region is part of Finland’s administrative divisions.
- Yankton County – Yankton County is in South Dakota, USA.
Landmarks and Natural Wonders Starting with ‘Y’
- Yellowstone National Park – Yellowstone National Park is famous for geysers in the USA.
- Yosemite National Park – Yosemite National Park is known for its stunning cliffs in California.
- Yangtze River – The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia.
- Yarra River – The Yarra River flows through Melbourne, Australia.
- Yungang Grottoes – Yungang Grottoes are ancient Buddhist cave temples in China.
- Yellow Sea – The Yellow Sea lies between China and the Korean Peninsula.
- Yarra Valley – Yarra Valley is famous for its vineyards in Australia.
- Yala National Park – Yala National Park is rich in wildlife in Sri Lanka.
- Yucatan Peninsula – Yucatan Peninsula is known for its Mayan ruins in Mexico.
- Yosemite Falls – Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
- Yukon River – The Yukon River runs through Canada and Alaska.
- Yosemite Valley – Yosemite Valley is a breathtaking glacial valley in California.
- Yushan Mountain – Yushan is the tallest mountain in Taiwan.
- Yarra Ranges – The Yarra Ranges offer scenic beauty in Victoria, Australia.
- Yellowknife Bay – Yellowknife Bay is located in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
- Yili River – Yili River flows through China and Kazakhstan.
- Yosemite Glacier Point – Glacier Point offers panoramic views of Yosemite National Park.
- Yehliu Geopark – Yehliu Geopark in Taiwan features fascinating rock formations.
- Yangshuo Karst Mountains – Yangshuo is famous for its dramatic karst landscape in China.
- Yamnuska Mountain – Yamnuska Mountain is a popular hiking spot in Alberta, Canada
Brands and Companies Starting Proper Nouns That Start with “Y”
- Yahoo – Yahoo was once a leading search engine and email provider.
- Yamaha – Yamaha produces motorcycles and musical instruments worldwide.
- Yoplait – Yoplait is a well-known yogurt brand.
- Yakult – Yakult is a probiotic drink brand originating from Japan.
- Yeti – Yeti makes durable coolers and outdoor gear.
- Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) – YSL is a luxury fashion brand from France.
- Yara International – Yara International is a global agricultural company.
- Yuban – Yuban is a popular coffee brand in the USA.
- YoCrunch – YoCrunch is a brand known for yogurt with crunchy toppings.
- Yokohama Tires – Yokohama Tires is a Japanese tire manufacturer.
- Yowie – Yowie is a chocolate brand with collectible toys inside.
- Yankee Candle – Yankee Candle is famous for scented candles.
- Young Living – Young Living specializes in essential oils and wellness products.
- Yu-Gi-Oh! – Yu-Gi-Oh! is a popular trading card and anime brand.
- Yext – Yext is a digital knowledge management company.
- York Air Conditioning – York manufactures HVAC systems for homes and businesses.
- Yellow Tail – Yellow Tail is an Australian wine brand.
- Yes To – Yes To is a skincare brand using natural ingredients.
- Your Pie – Your Pie is a customizable pizza restaurant chain.
- Yumble – Yumble delivers healthy meals for kids across the USA.
Fictional Characters Starting with ‘Y’

- Yoda – Yoda is a wise Jedi Master from Star Wars.
- Yoshi – Yoshi is a friendly green dinosaur in Nintendo games.
- Yondu – Yondu is a blue-skinned character from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
- Yakko Warner – Yakko is the talkative sibling in the Animaniacs trio.
- Yzma – Yzma is the villain in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove.
- Yamcha – Yamcha is a martial artist in the Dragon Ball series.
- Yorick – Yorick is a champion in the game League of Legends.
- Yvonne Parker – Yvonne Parker is a character in the TV show Dexter.
- Yuki Nagato – Yuki Nagato is a quiet yet powerful character in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.
- Yuno Gasai – Yuno Gasai is a well-known yandere character from Future Diary.
- Yami Yugi – Yami Yugi is the spirit inside the Millennium Puzzle in Yu-Gi-Oh!
- Yuffie Kisaragi – Yuffie is a ninja warrior in Final Fantasy VII.
- Ymir – Ymir is a Titan-shifting character in Attack on Titan.
- Yakov Smirnoff – Yakov Smirnoff is a comedian known for his Soviet-era jokes.
- Yashiro Nene – Yashiro is the main female lead in Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun.
- Yama – Yama is a god of death in various mythologies.
- Yoshiro Utsumi – Yoshiro is a character in the manga Boys Over Flowers.
- Yoruichi Shihouin – Yoruichi is a powerful warrior in Bleach.
- Yellow Lantern – Yellow Lanterns are the villains in the Green Lantern universe.
- Yinsen – Yinsen was the scientist who helped Tony Stark escape in Iron Man.
Sports Teams Starting Proper Nouns That Start with “Y”
- New York Yankees – The New York Yankees are one of the most famous baseball teams.
- Yokohama F. Marinos – Yokohama F. Marinos is a top football club in Japan.
- Young Boys – Young Boys is a Swiss football team.
- Yorkshire County Cricket Club – Yorkshire is one of the oldest cricket clubs in England.
- Yokohama B-Corsairs – Yokohama B-Corsairs is a basketball team in Japan’s B.League.
- Yangon United FC – Yangon United is a top football club in Myanmar.
- Yale Bulldogs – Yale’s sports teams are known as the Bulldogs.
- York City F.C. – York City is a football club in England.
- Yomiuri Giants – Yomiuri Giants are a famous baseball team in Japan.
- Young Africans SC – Young Africans SC is a Tanzanian football club.
- Yakima SunKings – Yakima SunKings is a minor league basketball team in the USA.
- Yokohama FC – Yokohama FC plays in Japan’s J-League.
- Yellow Jackets (Georgia Tech) – Georgia Tech’s teams are known as the Yellow Jackets.
- Yankton Bucks – Yankton Bucks represent a high school football team in South Dakota.
- Yarmouth Mariners – Yarmouth Mariners is a junior hockey team in Canada.
- Yue Loong FC – Yue Loong was a football club in Taiwan.
- Yunnan Bulls – Yunnan Bulls is a basketball team in China.
- Yate Town FC – Yate Town FC plays in the English football league system.
- York Capitals – York Capitals was an indoor football team in Pennsylvania.
- Yokosuka Seahawks – Yokosuka Seahawks is an American football team in Japan.
Universities and Colleges Starting with ‘Y’
- Yale University – Yale is one of the Ivy League universities in the USA.
- York University – York University is a leading institution in Toronto, Canada.
- Yonsei University – Yonsei University is a prestigious university in South Korea.
- Yeshiva University – Yeshiva University is a private Jewish university in New York.
- Yamagata University – Yamagata University is a national university in Japan.
- Yunnan University – Yunnan University is a key research university in China.
- Yerevan State University – Yerevan State University is the oldest university in Armenia.
- York College of Pennsylvania – York College of Pennsylvania offers a strong liberal arts program.
- Youngstown State University – Youngstown State University is in Ohio, USA.
- Yildiz Technical University – Yildiz Technical University is a major university in Turkey.
- Yamaguchi University – Yamaguchi University specializes in engineering and science.
- Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University – This is a top distance-learning university in India.
- Yokohama National University – Yokohama National University is known for economics and business.
- Yalova University – Yalova University is located in Turkey.
- York St John University – York St John University is in England.
- Yeshiva College – Yeshiva College is part of Yeshiva University in New York.
- Yakutsk State University – Yakutsk State University is in Siberia, Russia.
- Yangzhou University – Yangzhou University is a comprehensive university in China.
- Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon – Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon is a Talmudic institution in California.
- Yunnan Normal University – Yunnan Normal University specializes in teacher training in China.
Historical Figures Starting with ‘Y’
- Yaroslav the Wise – Yaroslav the Wise was a grand prince of Kiev who promoted legal reforms.
- Yamato Takeru – Yamato Takeru was a legendary Japanese prince and warrior.
- Yi Sun-sin – Yi Sun-sin was a Korean naval commander known for his victories against Japan.
- Yakub Beg – Yakub Beg led a rebellion against Qing rule in Central Asia.
- Yitzhak Rabin – Yitzhak Rabin was the Prime Minister of Israel who worked for peace with Palestine.
- Yusuf ibn Tashfin – Yusuf ibn Tashfin was a Berber leader and founder of the Almoravid dynasty.
- Yasuke – Yasuke was an African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga in Japan.
- Yuri Gagarin – Yuri Gagarin was the first human to journey into outer space.
- Yuan Shikai – Yuan Shikai was a Chinese general who became the first president of the Republic of China.
- Yusuf al-Qaradawi – Yusuf al-Qaradawi was a prominent Islamic scholar and theologian.
- Yazdegerd III – Yazdegerd III was the last king of the Sassanian Empire of Persia.
- Yunus Emre – Yunus Emre was a Turkish poet and Sufi mystic from the 13th century.
- Yelü Dashi – Yelü Dashi was the founder of the Western Liao dynasty in Central Asia.
- Yitzhak Shamir – Yitzhak Shamir was the Prime Minister of Israel in the 1980s and early 1990s.
- Yue Fei – Yue Fei was a famous Chinese general during the Song dynasty.
- Yogi Berra – Yogi Berra was a legendary American baseball catcher and coach.
- Yuan Zhen – Yuan Zhen was a Chinese poet and politician during the Tang dynasty.
- Yohannes IV – Yohannes IV was the Emperor of Ethiopia in the late 19th century.
- Yevgeny Primakov – Yevgeny Primakov was a Russian politician and diplomat.
- Yunus ibn Matta – Yunus ibn Matta, known as Jonah, is a prophet in Islamic and Judeo-Christian traditions.
Miscellaneous Proper Nouns Starting with ‘Y’
- Yggdrasil – Yggdrasil is the immense, mythical tree in Norse cosmology.
- Yoruba – The Yoruba are an ethnic group primarily found in Nigeria.
- Yom Kippur – Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism, known as the Day of Atonement.
- Yiddish – Yiddish is a historical language of Ashkenazi Jews.
- Yeti Airlines – Yeti Airlines is a domestic airline in Nepal.
- Yellowstone Caldera – The Yellowstone Caldera is a supervolcano located in Yellowstone National Park.
- Yalta Conference – The Yalta Conference was a key World War II meeting between Allied leaders.
- Yazidi – The Yazidi are a religious minority primarily in Iraq.
- Yuma Desert – The Yuma Desert is a part of the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States.
- Yasukuni Shrine – Yasukuni Shrine is a controversial Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Japan.
- Yerevan Brandy Company – The Yerevan Brandy Company produces Armenia’s famous cognac.
- Yazoo River – The Yazoo River flows through the state of Mississippi in the USA.
- Yang di-Pertuan Agong – The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the monarch and head of state of Malaysia.
- Yuma Crossing – Yuma Crossing is a National Heritage Area in Arizona.
- Yin-Yang – Yin-Yang is a concept in Chinese philosophy representing balance and duality.
- Yellow River – The Yellow River is the second-longest river in China.
- Yankee Stadium – Yankee Stadium is the home of the New York Yankees baseball team.
- Yemeni Rial – The Yemeni Rial is the official currency of Yemen.
- Yosemite Sam – Yosemite Sam is a cartoon character from the Looney Tunes series.
- Yokohama Landmark Tower – The Yokohama Landmark Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Japan.
Additional Proper Nouns Starting with ‘Y’
- Yunnan Baiyao – Yunnan Baiyao is a traditional Chinese medicine brand known for its healing properties.
- Yerevan Cascade – The Yerevan Cascade is a giant stairway with fountains and sculptures in Armenia’s capital.
- Yancey County – Yancey County is located in the state of North Carolina, USA.
- Yarra Trams – Yarra Trams operates the tram network in Melbourne, Australia.
- Yellowknife – Yellowknife is the capital city of the Northwest Territories in Canada.
- Yale School of Management – Yale School of Management is a top business school at Yale University.
- Yueyang Tower – Yueyang Tower is an ancient Chinese structure overlooking Dongting Lake.
- Yokota Air Base – Yokota Air Base is a U.S. military base in Japan.
- Ystad – Ystad is a charming coastal town in Sweden, known for its medieval architecture.
- Yankari National Park – Yankari National Park is a wildlife park in Nigeria, famous for its elephants.
- Yoyogi Park – Yoyogi Park is a large recreational area in Tokyo, Japan.
- Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is a city on Sakhalin Island in Russia’s Far East.
- Yamaguchi Prefecture Museum of Art – This museum in Japan features contemporary and traditional art exhibits.
- York Minster – York Minster is a stunning Gothic cathedral in York, England.
- Yerevan Opera Theatre – The Yerevan Opera Theatre is Armenia’s national opera house.
- Yousuf Karsh – Yousuf Karsh was a famous Armenian-Canadian portrait photographer.
- Yarra Glen – Yarra Glen is a town in Australia’s Yarra Valley, known for wineries.
- Yilan County – Yilan County is a scenic area in northeastern Taiwan.
- Yomitan – Yomitan is a village on the island of Okinawa, Japan.
- Yokohama Chinatown – Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Japan, filled with vibrant shops and restaurants.
Conclusion
Exploring over 200 proper nouns starting with the letter “Y” reveals the vast diversity of names that shape our world. From famous historical figures like Yuri Gagarin to iconic landmarks such as York Minster, and from global brands like Yamaha to unique places like Yellowknife, each proper noun carries its own story, cultural significance, and historical relevance.
Learning proper nouns not only enriches vocabulary but also broadens our understanding of geography, history, culture, and even fictional universes. It helps us connect with different parts of the world, appreciate the richness of human achievements, and recognize names that have shaped societies, industries, and literature.

Jessica is a seasoned writer with over 5 years of experience in the Noun niche. Her expertise lies in creating impactful, well-researched, and reader-focused content. With a strong commitment to excellence, Jessica has built a reputation for delivering high-quality work that informs, engages, and inspires her audience.