Yolandi is a unique and uncommon female given name of South African origin. It is derived from the Afrikaans word "yoland" which means "Jewel". The name Yolandi therefore translates to "Jewel of the Sea", suggesting someone precious and beautiful like a jewel.
The name Yolandi is believed to have been coined by the famous South African poet, Adam Small, in his poem "Yolandi", published in 1962. In the poem, Yolandi is depicted as a young girl growing up in a small town in the Western Cape region of South Africa. The character Yolandi was inspired by Small's own daughter, and the name has since become popular among Afrikaans-speaking communities.
In Afrikaans culture, Yolandi is often considered a charming and endearing name, evoking images of youthfulness, innocence, and beauty. It is also associated with South African identity and heritage, particularly in reference to the Western Cape region.
Despite its South African origins, the name Yolandi has not gained widespread international recognition. However, it remains a cherished and meaningful name among Afrikaans-speaking communities, carrying a deep sense of cultural significance and personal connection for those who bear it or know someone named Yolandi.
In conclusion, Yolandi is a unique and beautiful female given name of South African origin, meaning "Jewel of the Sea". It was coined by poet Adam Small in his poem of the same name and has since become popular among Afrikaans-speaking communities. The name carries a deep sense of cultural significance and personal connection for those who bear it or know someone named Yolandi.
Yolandi was quite popular in 2016 and 2018, with five births each of those years. There was a gap between 2018 and 2023, but it picked up again in 2023 with another five births. In total, there have been fifteen Yolandis born over these years.