The name Zelda carries an air of mystique and vintage charm. But what does it mean, and why is it making a comeback? This article delves into the popularity and alternatives of the name Zelda, offering insights for parents considering this unique and increasingly popular choice.
Zelda Name Popularity
How popular is the name Zelda? Let’s explore its historical trends. While the name has seen periods of relative obscurity, it’s currently experiencing a notable resurgence.
The data from SSA.gov reveals a fascinating journey for Zelda. Peaking in the early 20th century, it gradually declined before experiencing a significant revival in recent years.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 483 | 35 | 0.0099% |
| 1911 | 379 | 71 | 0.0191% |
| 1912 | 415 | 85 | 0.0169% |
| 1913 | 390 | 114 | 0.0201% |
| 1914 | 457 | 101 | 0.0145% |
| 1915 | 392 | 188 | 0.0207% |
| 1916 | 390 | 212 | 0.0219% |
| 1917 | 431 | 174 | 0.0174% |
| 1918 | 446 | 180 | 0.0168% |
| 1919 | 451 | 174 | 0.0166% |
| 1920 | 472 | 162 | 0.0146% |
| 1921 | 413 | 225 | 0.0196% |
| 1922 | 429 | 201 | 0.018% |
| 1923 | 481 | 163 | 0.0146% |
| 1924 | 445 | 195 | 0.0168% |
| 1925 | 440 | 198 | 0.0175% |
| 1926 | 468 | 170 | 0.0155% |
| 1927 | 463 | 180 | 0.0163% |
| 1928 | 444 | 189 | 0.0177% |
| 1929 | 489 | 141 | 0.0136% |
| 1930 | 443 | 181 | 0.0173% |
| 1931 | 512 | 117 | 0.0119% |
| 1932 | 479 | 142 | 0.0144% |
| 1933 | 528 | 104 | 0.0112% |
| 1934 | 481 | 133 | 0.0138% |
| 1935 | 520 | 107 | 0.011% |
| 1936 | 626 | 68 | 0.0071% |
| 1937 | 584 | 87 | 0.0088% |
| 1938 | 607 | 86 | 0.0084% |
| 1939 | 640 | 67 | 0.0066% |
| 1940 | 660 | 68 | 0.0064% |
| 1941 | 745 | 53 | 0.0047% |
| 1942 | 846 | 44 | 0.0035% |
| 1943 | 738 | 63 | 0.0048% |
| 1944 | 744 | 60 | 0.0048% |
| 1945 | 813 | 45 | 0.0037% |
| 1946 | 724 | 80 | 0.0054% |
| 1947 | 1010 | 38 | 0.0023% |
| 1948 | 910 | 50 | 0.0031% |
| 1949 | 1026 | 37 | 0.0023% |
| 1950 | 971 | 46 | 0.0029% |
| 1951 | 1296 | 19 | 0.0011% |
| 1952 | 994 | 45 | 0.0026% |
| 1953 | 910 | 63 | 0.0036% |
| 1954 | 1019 | 48 | 0.0026% |
| 1955 | 929 | 66 | 0.0036% |
| 1956 | 852 | 90 | 0.0048% |
| 1957 | 974 | 67 | 0.0035% |
| 1958 | 919 | 78 | 0.0041% |
| 1959 | 876 | 92 | 0.0048% |
| 1960 | 859 | 99 | 0.0052% |
| 1961 | 793 | 123 | 0.0065% |
| 1962 | 769 | 137 | 0.0075% |
| 1963 | 804 | 119 | 0.0066% |
| 1964 | 910 | 82 | 0.0047% |
| 1965 | 923 | 73 | 0.0045% |
| 1966 | 930 | 71 | 0.0045% |
| 1967 | 981 | 61 | 0.004% |
| 1968 | 1019 | 57 | 0.0038% |
| 1969 | 1958 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 1970 | 1410 | 33 | 0.0021% |
| 1971 | 1779 | 16 | 0.0011% |
| 1972 | 1886 | 12 | 0.0009% |
| 1973 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1974 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1975 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1976 | 2716 | 5 | 0.0004% |
| 1977 | 2244 | 10 | 0.0007% |
| 1978 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1979 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1980 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1981 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1982 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1983 | 3180 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1984 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1985 | 2750 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1986 | 3006 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1987 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1988 | 2936 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1989 | 3613 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1990 | 3858 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1991 | 3069 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1992 | 3162 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1993 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1994 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1995 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1996 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1997 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1998 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1999 | 3365 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2000 | 2876 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 2001 | 3792 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2002 | 3531 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2003 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2004 | 2916 | 12 | 0.0008% |
| 2005 | 2625 | 18 | 0.0012% |
| 2006 | 2534 | 21 | 0.0013% |
| 2007 | 2898 | 14 | 0.0009% |
| 2008 | 2739 | 16 | 0.001% |
| 2009 | 2546 | 19 | 0.0013% |
| 2010 | 2463 | 21 | 0.0015% |
| 2011 | 2153 | 29 | 0.002% |
| 2012 | 1518 | 75 | 0.0053% |
| 2013 | 1204 | 127 | 0.0089% |
| 2014 | 1109 | 150 | 0.0103% |
| 2015 | 618 | 405 | 0.0278% |
| 2016 | 660 | 375 | 0.026% |
| 2017 | 603 | 423 | 0.0303% |
| 2018 | 630 | 394 | 0.0287% |
| 2019 | 622 | 396 | 0.0293% |
| 2020 | 560 | 475 | 0.0373% |
| 2021 | 606 | 418 | 0.0342% |
| 2022 | 681 | 387 | 0.0293% |
| 2023 | 715 | 349 | 0.027% |
This table illustrates the ebb and flow of Zelda’s popularity over more than a century. The recent upward trend suggests a renewed appreciation for this classic name.
The Meaning of Zelda
The name Zelda has German origins. It is often considered a short form of Griselda, which means "gray battle" or "dark battle." While the meaning might seem a bit intense, it lends a sense of strength and resilience to the name.
Names Like Zelda
If you are drawn to the sound and style of Zelda, but want to explore similar options, consider these alternatives:
Variants of Zelda:
- Selda: Another German name meaning "dark battle."
- Zelde: A simple and elegant variation.
- Zellda: Adding an extra "l" gives it a slightly different feel.
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Selda | Dark Battle | German |
| Zelde | ||
| Zellda |
Names that sound like Zelda:
- Celida: A Greek name meaning "swallow."
- Zlata: A Slavic name meaning "golden."
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Celida | Swallow | Greek |
| Zlata | Golden | Slavic |
Lists With Zelda
Looking for more inspiration? You might find Zelda on lists such as:
- Vintage baby names
- Names with German origins
- Unique and uncommon girl names
- Names with a strong meaning
Ultimately, the decision of what to name your child is a personal one. However, understanding the meaning, popularity, and alternatives of a name like Zelda can help you make an informed and confident choice.
