Yolanda is a female given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the male name Iolando, which comes from the Latin name Iovianus meaning "of Jupiter." Therefore, Yolanda could be interpreted as meaning "daughter of Jupiter" or "devoted to Jupiter."
The name Yolanda has been popular in Spain since medieval times and has been associated with several historical figures. One notable figure is Yolanda of Aragon (1423-1479), also known as Yolande of France, who was the wife of King Louis III of Naples. She played a significant role in politics and was known for her intelligence and political acumen.
In literature, Yolanda appears as a character in the Spanish novel "El Buscón" by Francisco de Quevedo. The name has also been used in popular culture, with notable examples including Yolanda Saldivar, who was the former manager of American singer Selena, and Yolanda King, the daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Overall, Yolanda is a name with rich historical roots and a regal connotation, associated with intelligence and political prowess. Its Spanish origin adds to its uniqueness and exotic appeal.
The name Yolanda experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the course of a century, with its peak occurring around the mid-20th century. From just nine births in 1901, the name's usage steadily increased, reaching a remarkable high of 3697 births in 1968. However, it declined sharply thereafter, dropping to only 54 births in both 2021 and 2022, suggesting that Yolanda is now quite rare as a baby girl's name.