Holding steady.
Popularity of Iyanla since 1998
Babies named Iyanla per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 59 |
| 2000s | 142 |
| 2010s | 44 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Iyanla is a rare modern given name that entered U.S. birth records in 1998, with its peak year of usage in 1999. Since then, the trajectory has been stable, meaning it has remained consistently uncommon. It is used almost exclusively for girls. The name likely draws inspiration from African languages or is a creative respelling of similar-sounding names. Its rarity makes it a distinctive choice.
Iyanla is a modern given name that first appeared in the United States in the late 20th century. It is likely a creative respelling or elaboration of names like Ayanna or Iyanna, which have African origins. The name gained visibility through spiritual teacher and author Iyanla Vanzant, born in 1953, whose surname was adopted as a first name. Its usage remains rare, with a peak in the late 1990s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Iy, Myla
Sibling names for Iyanla
Names that share Iyanla's style, for a brother or sister.
