Latoya is a feminine given name of African and Caribbean origin. It is derived from the Yoruba name Latoyah, which means "she brings joy" or "the one who satisfies." The name has gained popularity in various parts of the world, particularly in the United States and the Caribbean.
The name Latoya first came to prominence through popular culture in the 1970s. It was brought into the limelight by American singer and songwriter Latoya Jackson, the younger sister of Michael Jackson. She released her debut album "La Toya" in 1980, which helped to popularize the name among a wider audience.
Latoya is often associated with individuals who are confident, creative, and independent. However, it's important to note that names do not determine personality traits, and each person is unique regardless of their given name.
In terms of its usage, Latoya has been consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular names for girls in the United States since the 1970s. It has also been popular in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. However, it is not as widely used outside of these regions.
Overall, Latoya is a distinctive name with a rich cultural heritage that has gained international recognition through its association with notable figures in music and entertainment.
The name Latoya experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 1960s to its peak in the mid-1980s, with over 5000 births recorded annually between 1984 and 1986. After this period, its usage began to decline steadily, dropping below 300 births per year by the late 1990s, and further decreasing to fewer than 20 births per year in recent years, with only 7 recorded in 2022.