Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Yolanda
GirlSpanish, French· “uncertain; possibly violet”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly violet (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Spanish, French
- Pronunciation
- yoh-LAHN-duh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #3,248
- US babies 2025
- 49
- Best rank
- #89 (1972)
- Peak year
- 1969
Meaning and origin of Yolanda
Yolanda is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly violet”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Spanish and French roots.
The roots of Yolanda are debated. It is often linked to Violante, a medieval name that may connect to Latin viola, violet, though some scholars suspect a Germanic origin instead, so the meaning remains uncertain. Whatever its source, the name had a royal pedigree in the Middle Ages, borne by queens and princesses in Hungary, Aragon and France, often in the French form Yolande. In the Spanish-speaking world and the United States it became a familiar mid-century favorite. Today it has a warm, slightly vintage feel, and nicknames like Yoli or Landa give it a playful side.
Popularity over time
Yolanda first appears in US Social Security records in 1901. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 98 different years, starting in 1905. Its best national rank was #89 in 1972, and the most babies received it in 1969, when 3,771 were named Yolanda. In 2025, 49 babies were named Yolanda, and it ranked #3,248 nationally. That is 55% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #368 in 1920, #179 in 1950, #157 in 1980, #780 in 2000, #1,620 in 2010, and #3,248 in 2025. Of the 112,918 US girls named Yolanda since records began, 25% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 27,031 babies. Since 2010, 1,467 more have been named Yolanda.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Traci, Kristine, Jodi, Kelli, and Melinda.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Yolanda ranked highest in Georgia, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | #1352 | 7 |
| California | #2481 | 8 |
| Texas | #2908 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Yolanda is usually pronounced yoh-LAHN-duh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with Y and ends in “-da”.
Middle names for Yolanda
A few middle names that flow with Yolanda: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Yolanda
Similar names
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ih-MEL-duh
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tuh-REE-suh
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Lists that include Yolanda
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Yolanda mean?
Yolanda is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly violet”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Spanish and French roots.
What is the origin of the name Yolanda?
Yolanda has Spanish, French, and Latin roots. The roots of Yolanda are debated.
Is Yolanda a popular name?
Not especially. Yolanda ranked #3,248 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Yolanda a boy or girl name?
Yolanda is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Yolanda?
Yolanda is usually pronounced yoh-LAHN-duh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings