What does Yalda mean and where does it come from?
Yalda has roots in Persian culture, specifically connected to the longest night of the year, celebrated during the winter solstice. This name symbolizes the rebirth of the sun and is linked to ancient Zoroastrian traditions. It’s popular among Iranians, particularly for reflecting joy and hope. The
Cultural significance
Yalda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Persian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of refers to 'birth' or 'the birthday of the sun'..
Peak popularity
Reached #9518 in 2017 — currently #8454 in the US.
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Related Reading
Persian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Yalda?
Yalda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yalda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Yalda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Yalda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Yalda Claire
French influence · crisp
Yalda Jane
Literary · strong
Yalda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Yalda right now?
Rising — up 48 spots — currently #8454 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8454 | 13 | ▲ up 48 |
| 2022 | #8502 | 13 | ▲ up 4895 · +86% births |
| 2021 | #13397 | 7 | ▼ down 1188 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #12209 | 8 | ▲ up 3001 · +33% births |
| 2005 | #15210 | 6 | ▼ down 932 · +20% births |
| 1990 | #14278 | 5 | — |
The story of Yalda
Yalda is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1982. With 75 total births recorded, Yalda remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14278 in 1990 to #8454 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Yalda in 2017:
Yalda by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 17 | |
| 1990s ★ | 28 | |
| 2000s | 6 | |
| 2010s | 24 | |
💎Yalda has only 75 total recorded births since 1982 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Yalda?
What names sound and feel like Yalda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yalda also consider these
Common questions about the name Yalda
What does the name Yalda mean?
Yalda means "refers to 'birth' or 'the birthday of the sun'." — a name rooted in Persian tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Yalda?
Yalda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Yalda have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Yalda?
Yalda originates from Persian tradition. Persian names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Yalda trending right now?
Yalda is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Yalda a common or rare name?
Yalda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.