Find out how popular the first name Yalda has been for the last 42 years (from 1982 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yalda by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Yalda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 13 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yalda.

The history of the first name Yalda

The name Yalda is of Persian origin, derived from the ancient Iranian word "Yalda," which means "birth" or "rebirth." This name is closely associated with the ancient Persian festival of Yalda, also known as the Iranian Winter Solstice celebration, which marks the longest night of the year and the beginning of the gradual lengthening of days.

The Yalda festival has its roots in the Zoroastrian tradition and has been celebrated in Iran and other regions with Persian cultural influence for centuries. It is a celebration of light, hope, and renewal, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the promise of a new beginning.

The name Yalda is not commonly found in ancient texts or religious scriptures, but its association with the Yalda festival and the Persian culture has given it a rich historical significance. It has been used as a given name for females in Iran and other Persian-speaking regions for centuries.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Yalda can be found in the works of the 12th-century Persian poet and philosopher, Nizami Ganjavi. In his epic poem, Haft Paykar (Seven Beauties), he mentions a character named Yalda, who is portrayed as a beautiful and intelligent woman.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Yalda, including:

1. Yalda Hakim (1899-1975), an Iranian painter and sculptor, known for her contributions to the modernist art movement in Iran.
2. Yalda Abbasi (born 1983), an Iranian-American actress and model, best known for her roles in television series such as "NCIS" and "Rizzoli & Isles."
3. Yalda Moaiery (born 1980), an Iranian-American journalist and writer, known for her coverage of human rights issues and her work as a correspondent for various news outlets.
4. Yalda Hakim (born 1983), an Afghan-Australian journalist and news presenter, currently working for the BBC World News.
5. Yalda Deldar (born 1982), an Iranian-American actress and model, known for her roles in films such as "Iron Man" and "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2."

While the name Yalda has its roots in the Persian culture, it has transcended borders and has been embraced by people of various backgrounds, particularly those with an appreciation for its rich historical and cultural significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Yalda was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Yalda, please contact us.

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