History:
The parts of this surname, "Yoga" and "Ananda," point to Indian spirituality. Its spread probably follows the spread of these teachings and the movement of people who believe in them. This might involve people choosing to move to spread their spiritual practices or find teaching jobs, settling in places where Yoga and Vedanta became popular.
Description:
The surname Yogananda is strongly linked to yoga and the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. People with this surname come from diverse backgrounds, united by their interest in spirituality rather than shared ancestry or caste. Its popularity stems from the broad appeal of this surnames teachings, attracting followers from many different social groups.
Yoganandi is one; it sounds and likely means the same. Another is Yoganand – its just shorter. Finally, Ananda is a big part of the original name and could be used alone as a surname; its like a shorter, simpler version.