Back to Baby Names

Yolanda

Pronunciation: [ y-ohl-AHND-uh ]

Girl Name #2,586 Most Popular Hidden Gem 4 Syllables

A bold vintage name rooted in the violet flower — stately and warm

Spanish American Italian French
Bold Vintage Elegant Earthy Classic

Meaning & Origin

"violet flower"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
"modest, virtuous"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin

The Story of Yolanda

Yolanda is derived from the medieval French name Yolande, which itself came from the Latin Violante — a form of Viola, meaning violet. The violet flower had strong associations with modesty and virtue in medieval Europe, making violet-names popular among noble families. Yolanda was introduced to medieval Spain and Italy through French dynastic connections and became a standard name in Romance-language cultures.

Yolanda peaked in the US in the 1960s and 1970s, partly through popularity in African-American and Latinx communities. Yolanda King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., gave the name civil rights associations. The name has declined but retains a strong, dignified vintage quality that is beginning to attract renewed interest.

In Latin American communities, Yolanda has long been a popular, respected name. In the civil rights movement, Yolanda King (daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.) gave the name historical significance. The name also appears in the Bizet opera as Yolanda.

Fun Facts

  • Yolanda King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., was an actress and activist who helped carry on her fatherapos civil rights legacy
  • The name Yolanda appears in Gioachino Rossini opera tradition and other classical works
  • Yolanda Adams is a Grammy Award-winning gospel singer who popularized the name in African-American culture

Yolanda in Other Languages

Latin Violante
French Yolande
Italian Iolanda
Spanish Yolanda
Portuguese Iolanda

Famous People Named Yolanda

Y

Yolanda Hadid

Entertainer

1964

Dutch-American model and television personality, mother of supermodels Bella and Gigi Hadid

Y

Yolanda Adams

Musician

1961

Grammy Award-winning American gospel singer known as the First Lady of Contemporary Gospel

Y

Yolanda King

Activist

1955

Eldest daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, actress and civil rights activist

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
4
Popularity Rank
#2,586
Total SSA Count
68
Cultural Origins
Spanish American Italian French
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Common Nicknames

Yoli Landa Yo

Pairs Well With

Yolanda Maria Yolanda Isabel Yolanda Grace Yolanda Rose Yolanda Nicole Yolanda Frances

Sibling Names

Also a Boy Name

Yolanda is also used as a boy name, ranked #9683.

View Yolanda as a boy name →

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Yolanda and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Yolanda sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Yolanda

What does the name Yolanda mean?
"violet flower" (from Greek). "modest, virtuous" (from Latin). Yolanda is derived from the medieval French name Yolande, which itself came from the Latin Violante — a form of Viola, meaning violet. The violet flower had strong associations with modesty and virtue in medieval Europe, making violet-names popular among noble families. Yolanda was introduced to medieval Spain and Italy through French dynastic connections and became a standard name in Romance-language cultures.
What is the origin of the name Yolanda?
Yolanda has Greek, Latin, Spanish, American, Italian, and French origins. In Greek, it means "violet flower". In Latin, it means "modest, virtuous".
Is Yolanda a boy or girl name?
Yolanda is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2586. As a boy name, it is ranked #9683. Yolanda is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Yolanda?
Yolanda is pronounced y-ohl-AHND-uh.
How popular is the name Yolanda?
Yolanda is currently ranked #2586 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Yolanda?
Common nicknames for Yolanda include Yoli, Landa, and Yo.
What are good middle names for Yolanda?
Popular middle name pairings include Yolanda Maria, Yolanda Isabel, Yolanda Grace, Yolanda Rose, Yolanda Nicole, and Yolanda Frances.
What are good sibling names for Yolanda?
Names that pair well with Yolanda as siblings include Rosario, Esperanza, Dolores, Carmen, Consuelo, Alejandro, and Rafael.
How many syllables does Yolanda have?
Yolanda has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Yolanda a common or rare name?
Yolanda is an uncommon name, ranked #2586 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Yolanda

Yolanda is a girl name with Spanish, American, Italian, and French origins . The name means "violet flower" in Greek .

Is Yolanda a boy or girl name? Yolanda is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,586 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #9,683. Yolanda is more commonly used as a girl name.

Yolanda is currently ranked #2,586 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Yolanda has 4 syllables and is pronounced y-ohl-AHND-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Yolanda include Yoli, Landa, and Yo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Explore Name Lists