Yuri is a name of Russian origin, derived from the male given name Yury, which is a variant spelling of George in Russian. The name George is of Greek origin and means "farmer" or "earthworker," referring to the earth god Ge.
The name Yuri has been popular among Russians for centuries and was also used by other Slavic peoples. It gained international popularity during the 20th century, particularly after being used by several notable figures such as Yuri Gagarin, the first human to journey into outer space, and Yuri Andropov, who served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1982 until his death in 1984.
In some cultures, Yuri is considered a unisex name. However, it has traditionally been more associated with males in Russia and other Slavic countries. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular among parents looking for unique, international-inspired names for their children, regardless of gender. Overall, Yuri is a name that carries a rich history and cultural significance while also having a modern, global appeal.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Yuri has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States.
Starting from the 1960s, there were fewer than 10 births per year with the name Yuri until reaching a peak of 31 births in 1968. After that, the number fluctuated between 25 and 44 births per year until the mid-1970s.
However, from the late 1970s onwards, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Yuri. The lowest point during this period was 19 births in 1998, but since then, the name has gained steady popularity, reaching a peak of 93 births in 2022.
Overall, from 1961 to 2023, there have been a total of 2,275 babies named Yuri born in the United States. This represents an increase in popularity over time and indicates that the name Yuri has become more commonly used among parents choosing names for their children.