Yae

Yae is the romanized form of a Japanese term written with the kanji 八重, which literally means “layered,” “double,” or “multi-tier.” As a linguistic element, yae often appears in substantive phrases and as part of personal names, carrying a classical or refined connotation in Japanese.

In horticulture, yae appears in the term yaezakura (八重桜), referring to cherry blossoms with multiple layers of petals. This term is used to distinguish double-flowered varieties from single-petal forms. The concept of yae in plant names signals a fullness or complexity of bloom and is used in other botanical names to indicate similar characteristics.

In names and popular culture, yae functions as a component in both given names and surnames. Notable examples include Yae Miko (八重神子) from the video game Genshin Impact, where 八重 denotes the family name and 神子 the given name; and Yae Sakura (八重桜), a character from the Senran Kagura series, where 八重 describes the family name and 桜 (sakura) the given name. In these usages, yae preserves its sense of “layered” or “double,” contributing to an elegant or traditional aesthetic.

Overall, yae is primarily a linguistic and cultural marker in Japanese, appearing in botany, personal names, and fictional works to convey nuance related to multiplicity, elegance, and heritage.