Yalda

Meaning of Yalda

Yalda is a feminine given name of Persian origin, derived from the Aramaic word for “birth” and long associated with the ancient Yalda Night festival marking the winter solstice. It carries connotations of renewal and quiet optimism, as families historically gathered to celebrate the longest night in anticipation of the returning sun. Phonetically rendered YAL-dah (/jɑlˈdɑ/), the name has maintained a modest but consistent presence in the United States since the early 1980s. Annual usage has ranged from five to thirteen newborn girls, with ten instances in 2024, placing it at number 940 nationwide. This steady, low-frequency profile suggests an appeal to parents seeking cultural depth and subtle charm—as well as the practical benefit that their daughter is unlikely to share her name with classmates, a detail some may find quietly reassuring.

Pronunciation

Persian

• Pronunced as YAL-dah (/jɑlˈdɑ/)

• Yara
• Yalena
• Yalina