Find out how popular the first name Yolani has been for the last 24 years (from 2001 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yolani by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Yolani is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 14 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yolani.

The history of the first name Yolani

The name Yolani is believed to have its origins in the Yoruba language, spoken by the Yoruba people of West Africa, particularly in present-day Nigeria and parts of Benin and Togo. The name's roots can be traced back to the word "iyo," which means "born" or "brought forth," and "lani," meaning "wealth" or "prosperity." Thus, the name Yolani can be interpreted as "born into wealth" or "born into prosperity."

In the rich cultural traditions of the Yoruba people, names often carry deep symbolic meanings and are carefully chosen for their significance. The name Yolani may have been given to children born into families of affluence or as a wish for the child to experience a prosperous and abundant life.

While the origins of the name can be traced back to the Yoruba language and culture, there are no definitive records of its usage in ancient texts or historical documents from the region. However, the name's popularity seems to have spread beyond West Africa, likely through cultural exchanges and migration patterns.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Yolani can be found in the 18th century, when a woman named Yolani Makalani was born in the Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin) around 1750. Little is known about her life, but her name serves as an early documented instance of its usage.

In more recent history, there have been several notable individuals who have borne the name Yolani:

1. Yolani Kadima (born 1962), a Congolese writer and human rights activist known for her work advocating for women's rights and social justice.

2. Yolani Stradford (born 1975), an American professional basketball player who played in the WNBA and overseas leagues during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

3. Yolani Gagiano (born 1982), a South African actress and model who has appeared in various television shows and films in her home country.

4. Yolani Morse (born 1987), an American singer and songwriter who gained recognition as a contestant on the reality television show "The Voice" in 2013.

5. Yolani Gadama (born 1991), a Malawian professional footballer who has played for various clubs in Malawi and South Africa.

While not an exhaustive list, these examples showcase the diverse backgrounds and fields in which individuals with the name Yolani have made their mark throughout history.

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 Yolani was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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