Great mother
Derived from the Yoruba language of West Africa, this name translates to 'great mother' or 'honored mother'. It is often associated with wisdom, maternal guidance, and spiritual strength. In the United States, it gained recognition primarily through the influence of prominent spiritual teacher Iyanla Vanzant.
Less common today
Iyanla isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,810 in 1999.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Inspirational speaker, lawyer, and television personality
